Call for a PhD student in Chemistry

Job content

The Namur Institute of Structured Matter and the Chemistry Department

announce a vacancy for a:

PhD fellowship

Type of contract:Full-time PhD fellowship

Duration: 2 years with extension of 2 additional years after intermediate evaluation

Project type:FNRS Research Project (PDR)

Project title:Complex pHases crystAllisatioN in ConfinEd Space (CHANCES)

A 4-year PhD studentship is available to work on the crystallization and characterization of a novel class of organic crystalline materials under the supervision of Dr Luca Fusaro at the Department of Chemistry, University of Namur. The successful candidate will join an exciting, collaborative research project in partnership with Prof. Riccardo Montis (University of Urbino - Italy), Prof. Carmela Aprile, Prof. Johan Wouters and Dr Nikolay Tumanov (University of Namur) and Prof. Simon Coles (University of Southampton - United Kingdom). This project focuses on the crystallization and characterization of complex Frank-Kasper phases of small organic compounds. The research builds upon our recent findings, published in Nature(Nature 590, 275–278, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03194-y) and focuses on the crystallization of these compounds under confinement within porous silica templates. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in advanced crystallization techniques and will have the opportunity to develop expertise in various characterization methods, including solid-state NMR (SSNMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED), and thermal analysis techniques.

The project includes:

This interdisciplinary project provides opportunities to collaborate with international experts, work with cutting-edge research facilities, and contribute meaningfully to the design of supramolecular materials. The PhD student will take primary responsibility for the crystallization and extensive characterization of the materials involved in the project. There is also the possibility to spend a period abroad as part of the collaboration with partner institutions.

Research profile

• Motivated by collaboration in a dynamic, international environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proficient in using common software and databases (Word, Excel, ChemDraw, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with NMR spectroscopy and/or X-ray crystallography is desirable.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A master’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field that grants access to a PhD program in Chemistry.
• Candidates with an existing PhD are not eligible for this position.

How to apply?

To apply, please send the following documents via email to Dr Luca Fusaro (luca.fusaro@unamur.be):

• Curriculum Vitae, including academic background, grades for each year of study, past research experience, and a self-assessment of your language proficiency.
• A cover letter detailing your motivation for applying.
• The names and contact information of two referees.