Ruhr university Bochum
State University, Browse similar opportunities
en
State University, Browse similar opportunities
A fully-funded PhD position (3 years; salary TVL E13 / 50%) is available in the group of Prof. Dr. Christian Merten at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), Germany. The project involves the synthesis of chiral covalent cage-like molecules and the spectroscopic characterization of encapsulation processes. In particular we want to prepare chiral cages that encapsulate, for instance, small anions or organic guest molecules. These complexes will serve as model systems to investigate how vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy, the chiroptical version of infrared spectroscopy, can be used to study the structure of the host/guest complex and to reveal the exact binding mechanism of the guest. In the end, we strive to use the experiences gained with these model systems to apply VCD spectroscopy for the characterization of reactant binding to supramolecular asymmetric catalysts.
We are looking for a candidate with background in synthetic organic chemistry, who is interested in diving deeper into the supramolecular chemistry of host/guest complexes and who wants to learn about cutting-edge chiroptical spectroscopy. Interested candidates should hold a Master degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry and, as this is an interdisciplinary project at the interface of synthesis and spectroscopy, suitable candidates further require a strong self-motivation and "chemical creativity". Therefore, please outline in your motivation letter, why you think you are the ideal candidate for such endeavour.
At RUB, the successful candidate will be integrated into the graduate school "Confinement-controlled Chemistry“, a coordinated program bringing together PhD students with interest in exploring the influence of geometrical confinement on reactions. The graduate school combines the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research with a structured curriculum (in English) of lectures, colloquia and workshops in the fields of theory, spectroscopy, synthesis, and surface science. The program also comprises the opportunity for an integrated three-month research stay at the University of California at Berkeley.
If you are interested, you can find more information about the group here: www.mertenlab.de / @mertenlab. More background on the graduate school can be found on its website: www.confinement-controlled-chemistry.de . Also check the official job opening on the university's website.
If you have questions or if you are interested in applying? Contact Christian Merten directly!
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