PhD position in organic chemistry at University of Würzburg, Germany

One doctoral position (early stage researcher (ESR)) with the opportunity for graduation (PhD degree) is available in the research group of Prof. Frank Würthner at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany.

This ESR position is funded by the European Commission within the H2020 Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) program “SYNCHRONICS” for 3 years. The ESR candidate will be involved in the development of photonic materials based on perylene bisimide and other functional dyes.

Description

The recruited ESR will pursue research work on supramolecular assemblies of functional dyes for photonic applications.

The major objectives are: Design and synthesis, and molecular characterization of novel perylene bisimide (PBI) and other functional chromophores.

Elucidation of optical and electrochemical properties of new functional dyes. Investigation of self-assembly behavior of such functional dyes in solution and in the solid state. Characterization of supramolecular dye assemblies by scanning probe microscopy (AFM, STM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis of solid-state materials.

During the 3 years project period, the recruited ESR will have the opportunity for secondments at the University of Oxford, UK (training in the synthesis of rotaxanes), University of Cyprus, Cyprus (training in IRS spectroscopy of dyes) and at the Surflay GmbH, Germany (training in preparation of core-shell particles) each for two months.

Application Details:

Interested candidates are requested to apply with the following documents:
1) A cover letter expressing your motivation and suitability for the position.
2) A detailed CV including your educational background, professional skills and experiences, publication list and a list of three references with their affiliations including e-mail and phone number.
3) A copy of your University diploma (master or equivalent degree) in pdf format.
All applications should be sent by e-mail, favorably as a combined pdf file of the above-mentioned documents, to Prof. Frank Würthner (wuerthner@chemie.uni-wuerzburg.de).
All applications will be evaluated according to ITN guidelines with equality and strictly based on candidates’ qualifications, skills and experiences required for the successful execution of the project. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview either in person or by Skype.

The University of Würzburg is a public institution. It is aiming to increase the proportion of women employees and thus applications of women candidates are most welcome. Disabled persons with otherwise equal qualifications will be favored.

The closing date for applications is 15 May 2015.

The recruited ESR will be employed for up to 36 months within the Marie-Curie ITN program funded by EC that provides highly competitive and attractive financial support that includes

– a monthly living (ca. 3.110 €) and mobility (600 €) allowance, and depending on the marital status of the candidate a monthly family allowance (250 €);

– coverage of the costs related to research and training activities (e.g. participation at project meetings, conferences, workshops, and training at other labs, etc.).

The successful candidate will benefit, on the one hand, from different training activities within the “SYNCHRONICS” program and, on the other hand, from very broad research activities and excellent infrastructures of the host group.

Comment/web site for additional job details

Informal enquiries on the ESR position can be addressed to Prof. Frank Würthner at wuerthner@chemie.uni-wuerzburg.de. For further information on the research group of Würthner, please visit the homepages:

http://www-organik.chemie.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/research_groups/wuerthner/home/ 
http://www.nanosystems-chemistry.uni-wuerzburg.de/home/

Further information on the “SYNCHRONICS” program can be found at: http://synchronics-etn.eu/

Additional Requirements

– Master degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field.

– Hands-on experience in synthesis of dyes and analysis of organic materials by various techniques.

– The successful candidate should be fluent in oral and written English and able to prepare convincing research reports and manuscript drafts.

– The ability to work in a very large international research group with coworkers of different cultural backgrounds.

– The capability to conduct research work independently in collaboration with other participants of “SYNCHRONICS” network.

Eligibility Criteria

– At the time of recruitment, the applicant should be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research career (measured from the date when the candidate obtained the degree which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate).

– At the time of recruitment, the applicant should not be in possession of a doctoral degree, but should have the qualification for the enrollment in a PhD program.

– At the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the last 3 years. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holydays are not taken into account.