Research Fellow in Synthetic Organic Chemistry - Molecular Engineering of Functional Organic Materials

14 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Department

School of Chemistry

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

30 Jun 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position (2 years) in the Porphyshape (Molecular Engineering of Functional Organic Materials) project. This is a SFI funded collaborative project led by Prof. Mathias O. Senge (Chair of Organic Chemistry, TCD and Hans Fischer Senior Fellow, TU Munich).

Understanding the functions of natural enzymes and developing new catalysts is a fundamental challenge in chemistry. Porphyrins are nature’s most versatile and ubiquitous class of cofactors with a wide range of chemically distinct functions - yet all these functions rely on metal chelates. PORPHYSHAPE challenges this limitation to metalloporphyrins. Key is the use of conformationally engineered nonplanar free base porphyrins, wherein structural macrocycle modulation gives functional access to the porphyrin core. Using targeted molecular design, which combines the aspects of conformational flexibility with rational chemical synthesis as a new concept for organocatalyst/receptor design we will: 1) use conformational cofactor control as key design principle for bench-top molecular engineering of functional porphyrins; 2) deliver enzyme mimics capable of selective activation of substrates in organocatalytic reactions; 3) develop 1D, 2D, and 3D design principles in solution, on-surface, and in framework materials to yield spatially defined multifunctional nanoarrays; 4) establish proof-of-concepts for applications in sensing and remediation.

Specific Project: Synthetic methods development for rigid hydrocarbon scaffolds (e.g., cubane, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, etc.) as building blocks for functional organic materials.

Sample publications:

https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202302771

https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202218211

https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201806281

https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201804225

This is a highly interdisciplinary project which brings together researchers from synthetic organic chemistry, photochemistry, medicinal and bioinorganic chemistry and requires a strong interest in these areas. Participation in STEM outreach and collaborative research projects and grant initiatives is expected.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

1. Undertake postdoctoral research in the area of functional organic materials and synthetic methods development.

2. Work closely with the academic supervisor and collaborators to ensure that the progress of the individual project is in line with the objectives of the project.

3. Attend and participate in all training events and supervisory meetings.

4. Prepare progress reports, write publications and give presentations on the research conducted.

5. Present and publish research outputs to both academic and non-academic audiences.

6. Attend and participate in academic and non-academic conferences, events and seminars.

7. Actively engage in the outreach activities of the research group and engage in efforts to engage with arts and humanities.

8. Undertake international placements at a leading international university, research institute or industrial partner.

9. Actively engage in laboratory safety, management and maintenance. Help with the day-to-day running of the research group, training, and supervision of interns and students, procuring orders and managing the laboratory.

10. Actively develop new research avenues and assist in the preparation of grant proposals.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Recent Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry.

Strong competence in synthetic organic chemistry and analytical techniques; enthusiasm for research, creativity in writing and ability to work with a high degree of independence; interest in synthetic methods development, functional organic materials, and translational science.

Very good English language skills and commitment to work in highly diverse and multicultural research groups. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Strong track record in high quality scientific publications, grants, and outreach.

Applications from underrepresented groups and women are strongly encouraged.

Specific Requirements

Mandatory:

Experience in synthetic organic methods development (e.g., total synthesis, photoredox, or complex transition metal catalysis) as exemplified in high quality publications.

Supervisory experience (e.g., M.Sc. students).

International experience.

Desired:

Experience with cubane, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and similar hydrocarbon scaffolds synthesis.

Ability to write scholarly publications.

Experience with porphyrin chemistry.

Grant/stipend track record.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information
Benefits

Appointment will be made on the SFI Team Member Budget Scale [Level 2A] at a point in line with Government Pay Policy [€40023 to €46109 per annum], appointment will be made no higher than point [1].

Eligibility criteria

See specific requirements

Selection process

1. Screening of suitable applications.

Note, only complete applications (see above) and those fitting the stated research topic will be acknowledged.

2. Shortlisting

3. Interview

Additional comments

Application Procedure

Applications (full CV, meaning motivation letter outlining your suitability for the post, 2 reference contacts, transcripts; if available, Ph.D. thesis; as a single pdf) to:
Prof. Dr. Mathias O. Senge

Email Address: [email protected]

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin

Country

Ireland

City

Dublin

Postal Code

D2 R590

Street

152-160 Pearse Street

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Dublin

Website

http://www.sengegroup.eu/

Street

152-160 Pearse Street

Postal Code

D02 R590

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED