Job Code: IMPRS001Job Offer from August 22, 2023

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Reactive Structure Analysis for Chemical Reactions (IMPRS-RECHARGE) is a collaborative effort between two Max Planck Institutes in Mülheim/Ruhr, Germany, and the Universities of Bochum, Bonn, and Duisburg-Essen.

The Max Planck Research Group led by Dr. Christophe Werlé on Synergistic Organometallic Catalysis at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, in cooperation with Ruhr University Bochum, is a partner of the IMPRS-RECHARGE.

Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated doctoral candidate (m/f/d) in the field of synthetic organometallic chemistry and catalysis.

The position is available for a duration of 3 years and needs to be filled as soon as possible.

The research focuses on adaptive catalysts, which have the ability to adjust their reactivity and selectivity in response to changes in reaction conditions. This allows for the exploration of alternative reaction pathways and control over chemical bond activation processes. Developing such catalysts is crucial for addressing challenges related to resource efficiency and environmentally friendly processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing adaptive catalytic systems that can precisely modify and manipulate molecular structures in small molecules relevant to energy research. These reactions involve transferring an atom or group from a source molecule to a target molecule, resulting in the creation of new compounds with altered properties. This level of precision enables chemists to add or remove functional groups, modify stereocenters, and manipulate specific sites, simplifying synthesis strategies and enhancing compound discovery.

Qualifications and personal qualities

  • Applicants must hold a master’s degree in molecular chemistry or a related field.
  • Candidates should have a solid background in organometallic chemistry, with a focus on synthetic aspects and catalysis.
  • Experience in handling air-sensitive and thermally labile organometallic compounds is desired.
  • Proficiency in standard structural characterization techniques such as NMR, X-ray diffractometry, and mass spectrometry is required.
  • Experience with IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, GC, and GC-MS is preferred.
  • Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written.
  • Self-motivated individuals with an independent, target-oriented, and systematic working style. Strong creativity and collaborative skills are essential.

Our offer

The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary and international group, working jointly between the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion and Ruhr University Bochum. The salary will comply with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for junior scientists. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the representation of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and encourages applications from qualified individuals in this regard. Additionally, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the number of women in underrepresented areas and explicitly encourages women to apply.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Your application

Applications for this PhD / doctoral program can only be submitted online through our homepage. The application should include a cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation, a CV, the master’s degree certificate (if received), transcripts, and the names and addresses of two referees familiar with the applicant’s work. The application deadline is September 30, 2023.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Esther Schlamann and Sarah Troska via email at imprs@cec.mpg.de.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Encrypted data transfer is possible on the site Cryptshare.mpg.de.

Further information regarding data protection for applicants.

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