Post-doctoral scientist positions in catalysis for sustainable organic synthesis

Application deadline: 30. 04. 2025
  • Employer
    • VSB-Technical University of Ostrava
  • Location
    • Czech Republic (CZ)
  • Salary
    • Will be disclosed in later stage
  • Closing date
    • April 30, 2025
  • Discipline
    • Chemistry
  • Job Type
    • Postdoctoral
  • Employment – Hours
    • Full time
  • Duration
    • Fixed term
  • Qualification
    • PhD
  • Sector
    • Academia

Materials Envi Lab at the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies, VSB–Technical University of Ostrava, is seeking highly motivated, ambitious, and interdisciplinary post-doctoral scientists in the fields of catalysis and organic synthesis. The ideal candidates should have a strong background in the field, as evidenced by their publication records.

Position and Research Overview:

Multidisciplinary research work on catalysis, organic synthesis, valorization of renewable feedstocks and hydrogen technology. More specifically the research focuses on the development of advanced nanoparticles and single atoms-based catalytic materials for sustainable processes involving the synthesis of fine and bulk chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biomolecules as well as the valorization of renewable feedstocks/resources (biomass, CO2, H2O ..) and chemical recycling/upscaling of plastics-waste to value-added products.

Qualifications and Research Experience of Candidates:

We are looking for highly motivated individual who thrives in a collaborative research environment. The ideal candidate should be:

  • A PhD in chemistry, catalysis, organic synthesis with strong publication record  
  • Experience in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis.
  • Hands-on experience in the preparation and characterization of nanostructured and single atom-based catalytic materials as well as organometallic complexes.
  • Familiarity with advanced characterization techniques such as TEM, HR-TEM, XPS, EPR, XAS, NMR, GC, GCMS, HPLC etc.
  • Strong background and experience in organic synthesis including catalytic hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, amination, oxidation, ammoxidation, CH-activations, carbonylation, hydroformylation, coupling reactions and other synthetic reactions.
  • Familiarity in working with pressure reactors
  • The expertise in nanotechnologies or single atom engineering is highly valued

Responsibilities:

  • Independently solve complex scientific research tasks in the research field.
  • Actively publish high-quality scientific articles.
  • Conduct independent research and collaborate with other team members.
  • Collect data for specific project outputs and ensure their completion.
  • Participate in the research activities of the living laboratory or collaborate in the activities of other living laboratories.
  • Contribute to the implementation of collaborations within the research program.
  • Manage interactions with additional teams and contribute to project meetings, administration, and reporting.

Benefits:

VSB employees are enrolled in Social Insurance (Health Insurance, Employee’s Pension Insurance, and Employment Insurance). The starting salary depends on qualifications, and a performance-based bonus applies.

Application Process:

Submit an application/motivation letter and curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, to the provided email address. Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage. Selected applicants will be invited for an oral interview.

Contact:

For more details, contact these representatives of the Materials Envi Lab:

Prof. Radek Zbořil,
Head of Materials-Envi lab, Scientific Director of Nanotechnology Centre:
https://scholar.google.cz/citations?user=VDAfX9gAAAAJ&hl=en
e-mail: radek.zboril@vsb.cz

Prof. Jagadeesh Rajenahally,
Group Leader at Materials-Envi Lab:
https://mel.vsb.cz/en/team/jagadeesh-rajenahally/
e-mail: jagadeesh.rajenahally@vsb.cz