Postdoctoral position in synthetic organic chemistry: stereoselective C–H activation

• Recent Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry (completed in 2021 to 2024)
• Strong competence in synthetic organic chemistry and analytical techniques
• Creativity in writing and ability to work with a high degree of independence
• Enthusiasm for research, interest in synthetic methods development and development of functional organic materials
• Experience in synthetic organic methods development (e.g. stereoselective synthesis, transition metal catalysis) as exemplified in high quality publications
• Experience in the field of molecular modeling using DFT method is welcome
• Strong track record in high quality scientific publications, grants, and outreach
• Very good English language skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills

Comenius University is the oldest and largest university in Slovakia, situated in its capital city - Bratislava. Bratislava is unusually situated on the border of other two countries (Austria, Hungary) and as such has always attracted residents from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Our campus is situated next to river Danube and close to the slopes of Small Carpathian Mountains, offering plenty of green spaces around the campus. Comenius University offers affordable accommodation to its campus.

We offer a fixed temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 1 year with the possibility of extension, 9 weeks of paid vacation per year. Minimum guaranteed yearly income (brutto) is 25,758 EUR (which corresponds to ca. 1,650 EUR netto/month), plus further benefits in the amount of 9,324 EUR that includes social security and health insurance paid by the employer. There is the possibility to receive a postdoctoral fellow grant from Comenius University up to 12,000 EUR.

Throughout your projects, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with specialists from many different backgrounds, giving you the chance to master multiple techniques and gain multitude of interdisciplinary skills.

Our research group is fully equipped for modern organic synthesis and has access to joint departmental instrument laboratories.

There is no geographic limitation. Applicants must have a PhD. (or equivalent) degree in organic chemistry that was received less than three years prior to the expected starting date of the appointment. The applicant shall not exceed the age of 35 years. PhD holders from the Comenius University in Bratislava are not eligible.

Please send a cover letter highlighting your competence and experience with respect to the requirements of this position, along with your full CV, copy of PhD certificate, copy of PhD thesis (if available, as single pdf file), list of publications, and contact information for two referees to Prof. Dr. Martin Putala at the following e-mail address: martin.putala@uniba.sk by June 23, 2024.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted by the end of June 2024, we have given preference to candidates who more closely meet the criteria.

The selected applicant will be invited to submit an application for a postdoctoral grant of Comenius University shortly.

Duties and responsibilities of the postdoc

• Undertake postdoctoral research of synthetic methods development
• Work closely with the academic supervisor and collaborators to ensure that the progress of the individual project is in line with the objectives of the project
• Actively participate in training events and supervisory meetings
• Prepare progress reports, write publications and give presentations on the research conducted
• Attend and participate in scientific conferences, events and seminars
• Actively engage in laboratory safety, management and maintenance. Help with the day-to-day running of the research group, training, and supervision of interns and students, procuring orders and managing the laboratory
• Actively assist in the preparation of grant proposals
• Supervise and guide students in the research laboratory