Postdoc Position in Sustainable Photofunctional Molecular Materials

Application deadline: 1 December 2024 at 23.59 hours local Danish time.
One postdoc position within development of novel photoactive transition metal complexes and investigation of their photophysical and photochemical properties is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy.

Starting date: 1 February 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application deadline: 1 December 2024.
The position is available for one year with the possibility for extension.

Project background
Photochemistry is an area of growing importance in modern chemistry to obtain sustainable energy solutions. Photoactive transition metal complexes based on ruthenium and iridium are extensively used in light-harvesting applications. Whilst featuring attractive photophysical properties, ruthenium and iridium belong to some of the rarest metals on Earth. The development of novel photoactive complexes based on Earth-abundant metals to replace those of the rare elements is therefore imperative for cheaper technologies and the green transition. Many first-row transition metals are Earth-abundant, but inherent properties in complexes of the first-row transition metals challenge promotion of photoactive states. This postdoc project strives at using rational ligand design strategies to overcome this fundamental challenge hereby constructing novel complexes based on Earth-abundant metals with unprecedented properties in light-activated processes.

The postdoc project includes:
• Design and synthesis of novel photosensitizer complexes based on first-row transition metals including organic synthesis of ligands and their subsequent complexation to metal ions.
• Characterization of electronic structures of novel photosensitizer complexes using steady-state spectroscopy techniques.
• Photophysical and photochemical characterization of novel photosensitizer complexes using time-dependent spectroscopy techniques.
• Development of photocatalytic studies, where both energy and electron transfer processes are of interest.

Qualifications
We are looking for one candidate with strong interests in working on the boundary between synthetic chemistry and physical chemistry aiming at development of photoactive transition metal complexes based on first-row transition metals.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in chemistry or a closely related area. Prior experience of synthetic organometallic/coordination chemistry is essential. Experience of characterization of paramagnetic systems, photophysical characterization, and familiarity with time-resolved spectroscopic techniques is desirable.

The candidate must be independent and fluent in English both oral and written.

For further information about the position please contact Assistant Professor Christina Wegeberg ([email protected]).

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy, and health.

The postdoc will be part of the Section for Chemistry and Pharmacy.

Application, salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The application must include the following:
• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment.
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely.
• Copy of PhD diploma.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Placering: Odense, Denmark