PhD, Postdoc, Master and Intership in LCSO

The development of new non-conventional organic synthons stands at the center of our research. We harness the power of modern catalysis to promote C-C or C-X bond formation, allowing for a rapid and efficient enhancement in molecular complexity.  In order to access unprecedented reactivity, we use a two steps approach:

1) Synthetic Modification: Classical functional groups are modified to create  high energy entities, such as strained rings and hypervalent iodine compounds with a new reactivity profile.

2) Catalytic Activation: The potential reactivity of the intermediates is freed under the control of a catalyst to generate new bonds under mild conditions.

In case the substrate reactivity is too low, we recently developed new in situ tethering approaches exploiting existing functional groups.

The developed methods give access to important natural and synthetic bioactive compounds, and set the stage for new applications in chemical biology and material sciences

Current Research Area in the Group:

Project 1: Electrophilic alkynylation with and without hypervalent iodine reagents
Project 2: Transformations beyond alkynylation using hypervalent iodine reagents
Project 3:  Modification of peptides and proteins
Project 4: Cyclization and annulation reactions initiated by the opening of small rings
Project 5: In situ tethering strategies for the functionalization of olefins and alkynes

 Detailed guidelines for application

PhD  at LCSO: The application process is now closed for a PhD in 2024. The next occasion to start a PhD at LCSO will be in Fall 2025. Applications will be considered from September 1 to at least October 1, 2024.  Interested candidates  should apply directly to Prof. Jerome Waser at jerome.waser@epfl.ch. The complete application file should include: a motivation letter, a CV, a transcript of the grades for bachelor/master degree, a list of referees and a summary of previous research work (at least 2 pages with chemical details). PhD application at EPFL is a dual process, requiring to apply also to the chemistry doctoral school  EDCH . In contrast to the US system, only candidates successful with both applications to the doctoral school and a research group can start their PhD. A positive recommendation from a research group following an interview is a strong asset to apply to the doctoral school, so it is advised to apply to the research group first.

Postdoctoral Fellows: Currently, we have no funding available for postdoctoral fellows prior to September 2025. Candidates eligible and interested to apply for postdoctoral fellowships should contact directly  Prof. Jerome Waser at jerome.waser@epfl.ch. The complete application file should include: a motivation letter, a CV, a transcript of the grades for bachelor/master/PhD (if available) degree, a list of referees, a summary of previous research work (at least 3 pages with chemical details) and a short research proposal abstract (1-2 pages) related to the research program of LCSO.

Master and Research Projects Ia, Ib and II:

Several opportunities are available to make his master or research project at the LCSO in the exciting fields of catalysis and organic synthesis! Master students will receive an independent project in one of the major research fields of the group. Interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with groups working in chemical biology and computational chemistry are also possible. Semester students will work in close collaboration with a PhD student. Please read our recent publications to become familiar with our research: the exact project will be discussed directly a few months before the start of the work. Interested candidates should apply directly to Prof. Jerome Waser at jerome.waser@epfl.ch. The complete application file should include: a motivation letter, a CV, a transcript of the grades for bachelor/master degree, and a list of referees (if available, supervisors for practical works are especially relevant).

ISIC Master Grant for Foreign Students
The ISIC Master Grant has been created to support  the master work of foreign students at the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC). ISIC Grants amount to CHF 1600 a month for a maximum of 6 months. Interested candidates for a master work at the LCSO under the ISIC Master Grant programm should send an application including letter of motivation, CV, grades transcript and name of referee to Prof. Jérôme Waser at jerome.waser@epfl.ch. The most promising candidates will be examined by ISIC for an eventual fellowship. The deadline for application is September 1 for a master thesis starting in January-June of the following year and March 1 for a master thesis starting in July-December of the same year.

Internship at the LCSO
Internship at the LCSO are possible for a maximum of 3 months.  Due to the new EPFL regulations, we can accept only students with fellowships to support their living costs. An internship is especially suited for:

• Bachelor/undergraduate students that want to learn more about research in organic chemistry. We usually require an experience in a basic organic chemistry laboratory course.
• Master students that want to gain a further experience of research in the field before committing themselves to a PhD.

Places in our laboratory are limited, so apply as early as possible!

Visa Issue for Foreign Students
If you are a foreign student and wish to join the LCSO for an internship, a master or a PhD, you have to take into account the time necessary to obtain a Swiss Visa:
– 2 months for European Union Citizens
– 6 months for others.