Postdoctoral Researcher in Synthesis and Analysis

The University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en), founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The Department of Chemistry (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-science/faculty/chemistry) at the Faculty of Science (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-science) carries out research on chemistry and its applications at an international level and provides academic teaching based on high quality research.

Dr. Anže Zupanc was recently awarded the Research Council of Finland Fellowship on recycling of the critical raw materials (Sustainable Recycling of Critical Raw Materials with Chemicals from Secondary Sources - Research.fi). He is starting to form his research group focusing on sustainable critical raw materials recycling, green organic synthesis and mechanochemistry. He and his evolving group are hosted at the Synthesis and Analysis floor by Professor Timo Repo’s Catalysis and Green Chemistry research group (Catalysis and Green Chemistry | University of Helsinki).

The Department of Chemistry invites applications for one POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER position in Synthesis and Analysis. The successful applicant will join the developing research group at the Department of Chemistry. The position is fixed-term for 12 months with a possible extension. Employment starts as soon as possible.

Position description

The postdoctoral position funded by the Research Council of Finland aims to design closed-loop dissolution/activation laboratory and scaled-up methodologies for recycling platinum group metals and rare-earth elements using green chemicals energy- and resource-efficient approaches - including organometallurgy and mechanochemistry - complying with sustainable development, resource safety and circular economy. This interdisciplinary project lays on the interface between coordination chemistry, metal dissolution and organometallurgy, organic chemistry, methodology development and mechanochemistry. Postdoctoral researcher’s tasks will include the development of recycling protocols for different metals, advanced characterization of the reaction mixtures and obtained isolated materials. The work will also comprise help in the supervision of undergraduate, graduate and visiting students. The researcher is expected to present their findings in scientific meetings, prepare funding applications for travel and research grants, as well as prepare manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals. The position has a trial period of 6 months.

Requirements

Motivated, ambitious and self-driven candidates with a PhD degree in a relevant field (chemistry or related) interested in metal recycling are encouraged to apply. Experience in the fields of coordination complex chemistry, molecular metal compounds, homogeneous metal catalysis, organic synthesis, mechanochemistry of metals, as well as experience in analytical techniques including NMR, PXRD, HRMS and ICP-MS/AES are advantageous. Most importantly, you should have strong motivation for research in a highly multidisciplinary topic, enthusiasm to learn new things and contribute ideas, and possess the ability to conduct your research independently while being an active member of an international research team. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English will be needed. We will offer a meaningful, original and ambitious scientific project in an international, top-level research environment. From the applicant we expect high motivation to conduct demanding experimental work, as well as a curiosity driven science-enthusiastic mindset.

Salary and benefits

The salary will be in accordance with the University salary system (requirement level 5). In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be approximately 3900–4200 €/month.

University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and ample opportunities for professional development and language studies. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

How to apply

Applications should include:

1. a CV with a list of publications,
2. a brief description of your research interests (1 page) with clear indication on the motivation to apply for this position,
3. a copy of a PhD degree certificate.

If you are interviewed, you will be asked for contact details for two references.

Please send us an application that you have crafted yourself, reflecting your own capability and thoughts. Applications generated by AI do not meet our expectations.

The deadline for applications is October 8th, unless the right candidate is found before. Interviews will commence right away, already during the application period.

External applicants, please submit your application via the Apply Now button.

Internal applicants, who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract, please submit your application via the Employee login button.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to the University of Helsinki. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from different gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities to apply for the position. You can read about the accessibility and inclusivity of our university via this link.

Additional information

For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Research Council of Finland Fellow, Dr. Anže Zupanc (anze.zupanc@helsinki.fi).

For more information on Dr. Zupanc’s publications, see Anže Zupanc (0000-0002-3697-7839) - ORCID and ‪Anže Zupanc - ‪Google Scholar.