University of Namur
VACANT PhD Positions in
Supramolecular Organic Chemistry
University of Namur (FUNDP), Academie Universitaire Louvain , Department of Chemistry, Namur
Several PhD positions are available in the laboratory of Prof. Davide Bonifazi at the University of Namur (FUNDP), Department of Chemistry, Belgium. The Bonifazi's group is specialized in the creation of functional molecular architectures characterized by ambitious targeted organic synthesis (e.g., porphyrin chemistry and functionalization of carbon nanostructures), self-assembly of hybrid architectures on surfaces, physical-organic studies, and material-based design. Two main research areas are pursued: Carbon-based Advanced Materials and Organic-based Nanochemistry. In the program about carbon-rich advanced materials the activities are focused on the development of novel molecular scaffolding with the aim of (i) developing novel synthetic methodologies for covalent chemistry of porphyrins, carbon nanostructures, polyaromatic architectures and (ii) providing advanced organic materials with exceptional optoelectronic (example: fullerene- and nanotube-porphyrin ensembles for photovoltaic applications) and structural properties. Some selected references from 2007-2009: N. Wintjes et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 4089-4092; A. Llanes-Pallas et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 7726-7730; C.-A. Palma et al., Chem. Commun., 2008, 5289-5291; A. Llanes-Pallas et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 509-520; Y. Karuvath et al., Chem. Commun., 2009, DOI: 10.1039/b820462d; C. Sooambar et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2009, DOI: 10.1039/B820210A; M. Matena et al., Chem. Commun., 2009, DOI: 10.1039/B902120E; J. Zeitouny et al., J. Mater. Chem., 2009, DOI: 10.1039/B908079C; D. Bonifazi et al., Chem. Eur. J., 2009, in press.
The prospective researchers will carry out European- and Belgium-funded research in the area of Supramolecular Organic Chemistry. The aim of the research themes is to build two- and three-dimensional architectures taking advantage of the molecular self-assembly of π-conjugated modules such as porphyrins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and acetylenic scaffoldings by means of weak interactions. The research work is established in a stimulating and creative environment comprising a multidisciplinary blend of world-leading collaborations within Europe.
Applicants must be European citizens and must hold a BSc degree in Chemistry and a MSc degree in Organic Chemistry (or one year of experience in research in the field of organic synthesis) by the time of the appointment. Very good spoken and written English is also mandatory.
Applicants should email a cover letter, a CV, a short summary of the research accomplishments, and names of two references to Ms. Julie Henry (E-mail: julie.henryatulg.ac.be). Review of applications will begin immediately after application deadline.
Application deadline: 30-06-2009. Indicative appointment date: September-October 2009.
