Doctoral Student in Synthetic Organometallic Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Are you interested in joining a research team that develops reactive organometallic complexes as well as rare, unstable small molecules? Would you like to invent chemical systems where bond-forming reactions proceed in the opposite direction as compared to what thermodynamics would usually predict? As a doctoral student in the Reinholdt group, you will work with low-valent transition metals and main group elements and explore the reactivity of electrophilic nitrogen fragments, as well as phosphorus-based multiple bonds. You will become an expert on air-free synthesis, spectroscopy, electronic structure, and reaction mechanisms. The Swedish Research Council and The Centre for Analysis and Synthesis at Lund University fund the position, which spans 4 years, starting April 1, 2023 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 15–20%).

Your main research objectives will fall within synthetic organometallic chemistry, and you will use transition metal complexes to tackle a variety of problems. You will synthesize reactive metal complexes, formulate suitable ligand designs for controlling their reactivity and electronic structure, and invent new methods for preparing small molecules that traditionally would be unstable and have only fleeting existence. 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.

Ideally, you have a background in synthetic inorganic, organometallic, or organic chemistry and research-based experience. It is an advantage if you have experience with spectroscopy, catalysis, and X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, an innovative approach to chemistry is appreciated for the position.

About us: We are newly established organometallic research group at Lund University, which consists of Assistant Professor Anders Reinholdt and one other doctoral student. We are looking forward to welcoming our next co-worker! For further information, feel free to contact Anders Reinholdt (anders.reinholdt@chem.lu.se).

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.

Additional requirements:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is expected; good knowledge of Swedish is an advantage but not required.

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:

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

Other assessment criteria:

Along with the documents required for the application (cover letter, CV, transcripts, etc.), 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 serves to demonstrate your scientific creativity! Your actual research may take a completely different path.

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.). Please include a short outline of a research project (see above, Assessment criteria).

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.