Doctoral student in Organic Chemistry with a Specialization in Organometallic Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Are you interested in becoming a part of a research team that develops reactive organometallic complexes as well as rare, unstable small molecules? Would you like to invent synthetic strategies where bond-forming reactions proceed in the opposite direction as compared to what thermodynamics would predict? As a doctoral student in the Reinholdt group, you will work with low-valent transition metals and main group elements, exploring the reactivity of electrophilic nitrogen fragments, as well as phosphorus-based multiple bonds. You will build expertise within air-free synthesis, spectroscopy, electronic structure, and reaction mechanisms. The Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at Lund University funds the position, which spans 4 years, starting September 1, 2022 or as soon as possible.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Your main research objectives will fall within synthetic organometallic chemistry. You will synthesize reactive metal complexes, formulate suitable ligand designs for attaining high reactivity, and invent new methods for preparing challenging organic molecules. Specific themes in your research could include, but are not limited to, N2 functionalization, azide synthesis, isolation of heavy-atom analogs of N2 such as NP and NAs, generation of molecules with phosphorus-based triple bonds, and small molecule activation.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in organic chemistry if he or she has:

• A minimum of 120 credits are to derive from chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project in the chosen specialisation or a closely related specialisation.

The specific admission requirement can also be fulfilled through another equivalent programme, which is assessed in each specific case.

Additional requirements:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is expected

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good knowledge of Swedish is an advantage but not required.
• A background in synthetic inorganic, organometallic, or organic chemistry and research-based experience.
• Skills within spectroscopy, catalysis, and X-ray crystallography.
• An innovative approach to chemistry
• Answer to the assessment question (more information under “Instructions on how to apply”)

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). 

Along with the documents required for the application, we would be pleased if you submit a short outline of a research project you envision working on in the Reinholdt group (1 page including graphics and references). This outline demonstrates your scientific creativity! Your actual research may take a completely different path.

For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Anders Reinholdt (anders.reinholdt@chem.lu.se).