Postdoctoral Candidate (m/f/div)

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion

Mülheim an der Ruhr, Nordrhein-Westfalen (DE)

30/05/2024

16 June 2024

https://www.mpg.de/151194/chemical-energy-conversion

The Max Planck Research Group of Synergistic Organometallic Catalysis at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion in Mülheim an der Ruhr in cooperation with the Ruhr University Bochum, is currently looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Candidate (m/f/div) in the Field of Synthetic Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis The position is available immediately, with an initial one-year appointment that may be extended by mutual agreement. This research aims to advance the efficient and sustainable formation of C-N and C-O bonds. Transi­tion-metal catalysts are recognized for their trans­formative impact on bond creation due to their versa­tility with a broad spectrum of substrates and tolerance for various functional groups. This project seeks to build on these advancements by developing alternatives that prio­ritize atom economy. Our strategy involves the conception, design, and implemen­tation of adaptive transition-metal catalysts. These catalysts respond uniquely to changes in reaction conditions by modulating their reactivity and selectivity. This adaptability allows for the exploration of novel reaction pathways and enhances control over chemical bond acti­vation processes. Developing such catalysts is crucial for addressing issues of re­source efficiency and environmental sustainability. The successful applicant will develop these transition-metal-based catalytic systems, utilizing light as a promoter to open divergent reaction pathways in small mole­cules relevant to energy research. The pro­posed reactions will involve the controlled transfer of an atom or group from a donor to an acceptor molecule, enabling the synthesis of new compounds with distinct properties. Qualifications and personal qualities: A master's degree and a Ph.D. degree in synthetic molecular chemistry or a related field Strong foundation in organometallic chemistry with an emphasis on synthetic Proven scientific track record with first-author publications in repu­table journals Experience in the handling air-sensitive and thermally labile organo­metallic compounds Experience in standard structural characteri­zation techniques such as NMR, X-ray diffractometry, and mass spectrometry Experience with IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, GC, GC-MS, and photo­chemistry is advantageous Excellent English language proficiency (verbal and written) Self-motivated personality with an independent, target-oriented, and systematic working style; a high degree of creativity, as well as excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills Our offer: The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary and international group team at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion and the Ruhr University Bochum. Salary of the tempo­rary employment is in accordance with the German state public service salary scale (pay level E 13 TVöD Bund) and the accor­dant social benefits. 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. Please send your application documents in a single PDF document (including a cover letter, a curri­culum vitae, copies of your degree certificates, and contact information of two references) by e-mail, with the reference code “CW013” on or before June 15th, 2024, to: Dr. Christophe Werlé synergistic.catalysis@cec.mpg.de Encrypted data transfer is possible on the site www.cryptshare.mpg.de/Start?0. Further information regarding data protection for applicants can be found on our webpage https://cec.mpg.de/en/career/data-protection-information-for-applicants/.