"PhD Position in Molecular Engineering of MOFs for Selective Methane Oxidation"

Job Summary: The position involves developing novel iron-based MOFs for the room-temperature conversion of methane to methanol, advancing green chemistry through materials design and understanding reaction mechanisms using spectroscopy. The role focuses on synthesizing and characterizing materials, testing catalytic performance, and studying mechanisms in a supportive research environment.

Responsibilities:

• Synthesize organic linkers and MOFs
• Characterize linkers using NMR and MS, and materials using XRD, UV-vis, FTIR, EPR, and gas sorption techniques
• Test catalytic performance for room-temperature methane-to-methanol conversion
• Conduct operando spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR, UV-vis, XAS) to study reaction mechanisms
• Collaborate with InCatT on high-throughput screening and optimization

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry or a related field
• Excitement to work across synthesis, spectroscopy, and catalysis, with eagerness to learn new techniques
• Ability to think critically and independently, contribute ideas, handle experiments and data carefully, and keep lab work well-organized
• Openness to learning data analysis tools like Python or MATLAB
• Considered a plus: Hands-on experience with air-sensitive synthesis, metal complex chemistry, in situ or operando spectroscopy, or background in coordination or organometallic chemistry

What the Employer Offers:

• A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for 4 years (initially 18 months, extendable after evaluation)
• Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance
• Access to excellent research facilities, training in advanced spectroscopy and data analysis, opportunities to attend conferences, contribute to publications, and co-supervise students
• Supportive environment with regular meetings, open-door policy, and emphasis on personal development
• Additional benefits include pension contributions, holiday hours, parental leave, and the possibility to follow courses