PhD in Sustainable Organic Chemistry: The Maes group within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Antwerp is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of Sustainable Organic Chemistry. The project is part of an interdisciplinary iBOF collaboration with KU Leuven and focuses on developing novel carbon-based catalysts for the transformation of bio-renewable molecules.
🎓 PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Sustainable Organic Chemistry (Organic Synthesis/Catalysis)University of Antwerp, Belgium
📋 Summary Table
| Designation | PhD Researcher |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Organic Synthesis / Catalysis / Sustainable Chemistry |
| Location | University of Antwerp, Belgium |
| Collaborator | KU Leuven |
| Start Date | September/October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 1, 2025 |
🎓 Designation
PhD Researcher in Sustainable Organic Chemistry
🧪 Research Area
- Organic Synthesis
- Catalysis on Carbon Surfaces (e.g., graphene)
- Biorenewable Molecule Transformation
- Sustainable Chemistry
🌍 Location
University of Antwerp, Department of Chemistry, Belgium
(With occasional visits to KU Leuven, ~50 km away)
✅ Eligibility / Qualification
- Master’s degree in Chemistry or Bioscience Engineering (Chemistry specialization)
- Strong theoretical and practical background in organic synthesis
- Experience in:
- Analytical separation techniques
- Mass spectrometry
- Preparative purification methods
- Structural characterization of organic compounds
- Good communication and writing skills in English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Interest in multidisciplinary research is a plus
📝 Job Description
- Conduct PhD research in the Maes Group (ORSY division)
- Develop novel catalysts based on engineered carbon surfaces (e.g., graphene)
- Apply these catalysts in transforming bio-renewable platform molecules
- Collaborate with KU Leuven experts on nanoscale surface characterization and heterogeneous catalysis
- Travel between Antwerp and Leuven as needed for collaborative research
📬 How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Motivation letter
- Contact details of at least one previous supervisor
📧 Send to: VacancyORSY@uantwerpen.be
📝 Email Subject: “Application PhD iBOF”
Only complete applications will be considered.
🗓 Last Date to Apply
August 1, 2025
📞 More Information
Prof. Dr. Bert U.W. Maes
Full Professor | Organic Synthesis
University of Antwerp | Department of Chemistry
📍 Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
📞 +32 3 265 32 05
🌐 https://www.orsy-maes-group.be/home
📧 VacancyORSY@uantwerpen.be
Start your research journey in one of Europe’s most innovative environments!
