Postdoctoral position (24 months) in main-group chemistry

Responsabilities

In the framework of the ERC consolidator project “B-yond” financed by the Horizon Europe programme (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101044649), a postdoctoral position is available in the Reactivity, Catalysis and Organometallic (RCO) chemistry research group (Prof. Berionni) at the chemistry department of the University of Namur (www.unamur.be/en/sci/chemistry).

Job description

As a postdoctoral researcher with excellent expertise in main-group chemistry, you will investigate the coordination of ammonia and ammonia surrogates with boron Lewis acids and superacids. The coordination of small molecules (NH3, N2 and other N-containing molecules) with these Lewis acids will be investigated and the reactivity and structure of the resulting Lewis adducts will be analysed experimentally and computationally.

Profile

The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher with a PhD in organometallic or coordination chemistry, with a particular focus on organoboron compounds. Very good knowledge and experience in preparative purification techniques, handling of highly reactive species (Schlenk-line and glove-box techniques) and structural characterization of unstable organic, organometallic and main-group compounds is expected.

Qualifications and skills

Very good knowledge and excellent experimental skills in synthesis, preparative purification techniques and structural characterization of organic molecules (NMR, GC-MS, IR, UV-Vis) is expected. She/He should be autonomous and motivated for fundamental research. Good competences in the use of common chemistry software and databases. Ability to integrate and work in a research team with team spirit. Sense of initiative, responsibility and organization. Excellent communication ability in English (written and oral). Knowledge of French is a plus.

Additional information

You will work in Namur, a historic, dynamic and lively city, located in the heart of Belgium, at 30 minutes of Brussels, the capital of the European Union. During this postdoc of two years, you will perform your research at the University of Namur, in the organic chemistry division, part of the Namur Institute of Structured Matter (https://nism.unamur.be).

You should have been awarded your PhD not more than one year ago and be in an “international mobility situation”, meaning that you should not have resided or carried out your main activity (job, studies...) in Belgium for more than 24 months prior to June 2025.

You will be awarded a monthly salary amounting ~ € 2800 after tax withdrawal. The position is for an initial duration of one year, renewable once. Soon to be graduating PhD students are welcome to apply provided that they will have graduate before the start of the position. The recruitment procedure of new researchers ensures compliance with the gender balance and non-discrimination principles of the University of Namur.

Remarks

How to apply

To apply please send a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a 2 pages summary of your PhD work and the name and e-mail addresses of three reference persons by e-mail to Prof. Guillaume Berionni (guillaume.berionni[@]unamur.be) until April 15th, 2025.