PhD Positions in Catalytic Activation: The Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), CSIC-Univ. of Sevilla (Spain) is offering two PhD positions associated with the ERC Consolidator project ‘Low-Coordinate Bimetallics for the Catalytic Activation of Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, and Ammonia’ (BiMetal GAS). These positions involve designing and synthesizing novel bimetallic complexes with applications in catalysis.
Designation: PhD Researcher
Research Area: Organometallic Chemistry, Catalysis, and Ligand Design
Location: Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), CSIC-Univ. of Sevilla, Spain
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemistry.
- Experience in organometallic chemistry and characterization of new compounds by spectroscopic techniques.
- Background in organic synthesis and catalysis will be considered an advantage.
Job Description:
- Develop highly polarized bimetallic complexes or transition metal/heavier tetrylene (Ge, Sn) compounds with low-coordination environments.
- Utilize congested ligands, including terphenyl and cavity-shaped phosphines.
- Investigate unusual heterobimetallic systems with open-shell configurations for single-electron reactivity.
- Conduct reactivity and catalytic studies focusing on:
- Reductive coupling of CO to oxalate and its coupling with ethylene to form acrylate.
- Oxidation of C-H bonds with NO.
- Hydroamination of olefins with NH.
- Synthesize and characterize ligands and complexes, perform reactivity and catalytic studies, and carry out mechanistic investigations.
How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Contact information of two referees
Applications should be sent to Prof. Jesús Campos via email at jesus.campos@iiq.csic.es. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online.
Last Date to Apply: Expected start date: June-September 2025
