PhD Student Position in Synthetic Organic Materials

We are a diverse, international and friendly team exploring the magical world of graphene-based materials and learning how to tailor their properties and function through molecular design. Our projects are the interface of organic synthesis, materials science and supramolecular chemistry. If you would like to learn more about our research, please visit our group website.

Your responsibilities

In this fully funded, full-time project, sponsored by a Swiss National Science Foundation Consolidator Grant, you will design, synthesize and characterize open-shell molecular fragments of graphene, and investigate their π-radical reactivity in order to develop methodology toward graphene-based carbon nanostructures, featuring structural motives like positive and negative curvature and defects.

Your profile

We look for a creative and ambitious candidate who has a true passion for chemistry and research, strong skills in synthetic organic chemistry, is a team player, who helps and motivates others, has a humble and friendly personality and a sense of humor, and critically evaluates obtained scientific results. You have:

• completed (or soon to be completed) Master’s degree in chemistry (MSc or equivalent)
• outstanding track record (excellent grades, graduation with honors, summa cum laude, or equivalent, academic awards at the university level)
• experience in a synthetic organic laboratory, including microscale work, work under air-free and moisture-free conditions, and experience with spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV/Vis, etc.)
• experience in designing and planning complex synthetic sequences
• excellent English language skills (written and oral), German language is a plus but not mandatory
• experience with studying abroad (e.g. Erasmus) is welcome

What we offer

• work in an inspiring and caring environment
• state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure
• opportunity to attend conferences, coaching, networking
• diverse international team and room to grow

Place of work

University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland

Start of employment

Duration of employment: maximum of 4 years
starting date: September – October 2023
application deadline: June 30th, 2023

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file including the following documents: a cover letter stating your motivation for this position, a research summary of past accomplishments, CV (resumé), and the names and contact details of 2 referees. Applications that are not submitted as a single PDF file will not be considered.