Postdoctoral Position in Organic Chemistry: The University of Antwerp (Belgium) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in Sustainable Organic Chemistry, focusing on organic synthesis and catalysis. The successful candidate will join the Maes Group (Organic Synthesis Division, Department of Chemistry) and work on developing novel carbon-surface-based catalysts for transforming biorenewable platform molecules into valuable chemical building blocks.
This position is part of the interdisciplinary iBOF project in collaboration with KU Leuven, offering a strong multidisciplinary and international research environment.
Postdoctoral Position in Sustainable Organic Chemistry (Organic Synthesis & Catalysis)
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Research Field | Sustainable Organic Chemistry |
| Focus Area | Organic Synthesis & Catalysis |
| Institution | University of Antwerp |
| Department | Department of Chemistry (ORSY Division) |
| Research Group | Maes Group |
| Collaboration | KU Leuven |
| Location | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Start Date | ASAP (preferably Spring 2026) |
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2025 |
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area
- Sustainable Organic Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Catalysis (Organo- and Heterogeneous Catalysis)
- Carbon-based Catalysts (Graphene & Derivatives)
- Transformation of Biorenewable Platform Molecules
Location
University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
(Occasional travel to KU Leuven, ~50 km)
Eligibility / Qualification
- PhD degree in Chemistry or Bioscience Engineering (Chemistry option)
- Strong theoretical and practical background in organic synthetic chemistry
- Ability to work independently in organic synthesis
- Hands-on experience in:
- Analytical separation techniques
- Mass spectrometry
- Preparative purification techniques
- Structural characterization of organic molecules
- Prior experience in (organo)catalysis is an advantage
- Good teamwork, communication, and scientific writing skills
- Excellent command of English
- Interest in multidisciplinary research
Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:
- Develop novel catalysts based on carbon surfaces (e.g., graphene and derivatives)
- Explore catalytic applications for converting biorenewable platform molecules
- Apply various organic reaction methodologies
- Collaborate closely with KU Leuven partners specializing in:
- Nanoscale surface characterization
- Modelling
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Contribute to the interdisciplinary iBOF project: “Engineered carbon surfaces for sustainable catalysis”
- Participate in occasional research travel between Antwerp and Leuven
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Motivation Letter
- Contact details of two previous supervisors (for recommendation letters)
📧 Email: VacancyORSY@uantwerpen.be
📌 Subject Line: Application PhD iBOF
Only applications containing all requested documents will be considered.
Last Date for Apply
🗓 December 31, 2025
Contact & More Information
Prof. Dr. Bert U. W. Maes
Full Professor | Organic Synthesis
Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp
Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
📞 Tel: +32 3 265 32 05
🌐 Research Group Website: https://www.orsy-maes-group.be/home
