PhD Positions in Inorganic Chemistry at ETH Zurich 1429 views

The Functional Coordination Chemistry Laboratory (Bezdek Group) in the Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Department at ETH Zurich is offering fully-funded PhD positions. The research of the doctorate positions will concern the synthesis, characterization and application of metal complexes, coordination polymers and small molecule/macromolecule hybrids. The PhD positions are fully funded for four years (extendable), and the starting date is as soon as October 1, 2021 or upon mutual agreement.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Design and execute new synthetic routes to coordination complexes, organometallics and metallopolymers bearing reactive functionalities and/or exhibiting unusual electronic structures and magnetic properties.
• Understand the electronic structures, magnetic/thermochemical properties of newly synthesized materials using a suite of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, EPR, IR, Raman, XPS, Mössbauer, MCD), crystallography (single-crystal, powder), magnetometry (SQUID) and electrochemistry. Students will also gain expertise in performing state-of-the art computational simulations to support their experimental work.
• Exploit the insights above to design molecules and materials with applied function. Targeted applications are multidisciplinary and include: a) Catalysis relevant to energy storage (fuel cells, redox flow batteries); b) Magneto-optic materials; c) Functionalized nanomaterials (e.g. single-walled carbon nanotubes) that respond to changes in chemical environment and/or phenomena such as electric/magnetic fields.

Requirements:

• Applicant must hold an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science or related area and a background in synthetic chemistry.
• Previous experience in air- and moisture-free manipulations (i.e. Schlenk technique, glovebox operations) and in the characterization of metal complexes, organometallics and/or carbon nanomaterials are an advantage but not essential.
• Applicant must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work as part of a highly interactive, international and diverse team.

Applications:

Apply online with the following documents:

• Motivation letter (1-page) providing information on relevant skills and experience, and reasons for applying for the position
• CV, including qualifications, past academic and professional experience
• Names and contact details of two referees