The University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en), founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The Department of Chemistry (https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/chemistry) at the Faculty of Science carries out research on chemistry and its applications at an international level and provides academic teaching based on high quality research. The department forms accountability unit operating on an annual budget of 19 million euros and reports 200 person-years per annum. There are 14 professors at the Department.

Chemical synthesis and analysis (https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/chemistry/researc...) is a multidisciplinary research program of the Department of Chemistry, which centers on the development of modern synthetic methods and analytical techniques for a broad spectrum of important topics including fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and novel materials. The research in the department of chemistry covers all aspects from basic chemistry research (synthesis, understanding and characterization) to material applications (utilization in electronics, functional materials and everyday consumables).

The Department of Chemistry invites applications for one

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

position in Synthesis and Analysis under the mentorship of Academy Research Fellow Petra Vasko. The successful applicant will join the Catalysis and Green Chemistry (CATLAB) research group at the Department of Chemistry. The position is fixed-term for 24 months including a trial period of 6 months. Employment starts in January 2022.

Position description
The postdoctoral project funded by Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation and the Academy of Finland aims to develop novel main group and transition metal containing heterobimetallic catalysts for small molecule activation and catalysis. In this project, your tasks will include the synthetic development of main group/transition metal complexes, advanced characterization, catalytic studies, and investigations/optimization on the synthesis and further reactivity. Your work will also comprise help in the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students. You are expected to present your findings in scientific meetings and workshops, prepare funding applications for travel and research grants, as well as prepare manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals.

Requirements
Motivated candidates with a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (chemistry or related) are encouraged to apply. Experience in the fields of air- and moisture sensitive synthesis, organometallic chemistry, characterization, catalysis, and computational methods (DFT) are advantageous. Most importantly, you should have a strong motivation for research in a highly multidisciplinary topic, enthusiasm to learn new things and contribute ideas, and possess the ability to conduct your research independently while being an active member of an international research team. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English will be needed. We will offer a meaningful, original and ambitious scientific project in an international, top-level research environment. From the applicant we expect high motivation to conduct demanding experimental work, as well as a curiosity driven science-enthusiastic mindset.

Salary and benefits
The overall remuneration paid to the Postdoctoral Researcher will be approximately 3400–3800 €/month. During the first year, the remuneration will consist of combination of a grant and a salary paid for a part-time (25 %) employment, during the second year the remuneration will be a salary paid for a full-time (100 %) employment.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply
Applications should include as PDF files (1) a CV with a list of publications, (2) contact details for two references, (3) a brief description of research experience (1–2 pages) with clear indication on the motivation to apply for this position, (4) a copy of a PhD degree certificate.

Please submit your application trough the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link “Apply for the position”.

Women and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications is October 31st, 2021.

Additional information
For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Academy Research Fellow Petra Vasko (petra.vasko@helsinki.fi)

For more information on the research group and publications, see https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/catalysis-and-green-chemistry and @PetraVasko