The Institute of Advanced Material (INAM) is a host institution for Marie Skolodowska-Curie fellows (call MSCA PF 2021). By joining INAM, the candidate will be working in one of the Strategic Lines of INAM. Besides, candidates will be in contact with front-line science and technology, as well as have the opportunity to conduct research at the forefront of science in a multidisciplinary and international working atmosphere. INAM will also ensure access to state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialized scientific personnel.
The candidate will have the opportunity to work in a project of one of the following Research Groups of INAM (http://www.inam.uji.es/research):
a) ORGANOMETALLY CHEMISTRY AND HOMOGENEOUS CATALISYS
Project description: the goal of the project is to design organometallic Supramolecular Coordination Complexes (SSCs) for the selective recognition of organic substrates and for the preparation of new homogeneous supramolecular catalysts. The proposal is based on the development of four specific targets (actions): i) preparation of N-heterocyclic carbene-based metallo-polygons/polyhedra, ii) design of metallo-tweezers, and iii) assessment of the host-guest affinities of the supramolecular receptors obtained, and iv) evaluation of the catalytic properties. For this latter point, we will focus our interest on exploiting the supramolecular interactions established between the catalyst (host) and the substrate (guest) to induce enhanced activities and selectivities.
Candidates: We seek candidates with a background in chemistry, with a strong training in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry and catalysis.
b) PHOTOELECTROCHEMISTRY FOR SUSTAINABLE FUEL PRODUCTION AND CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS
Project description: the goal of the project is to develop novel sustainable (photo)-electrocatalytic solutions for the energy sector and the chemical industry based on electrocatalytic production of H2, from water splitting, and hydrocarbons from CO2 reduction, when using electricity from renewable energy sources. We will address an ambitious research program based on synthesis of materials, functional characterization and mechanistic understanding through the combination of state-of-the-art operando techniques and theoretical modelling. Device engineering will also be addressed through collaborations with experts in the field.
Candidates: candidates with a strong background on (photo)electrocatalysis, semiconductor electrochemistry and chemical engineering will be privileged although we are open to candidates with a broad training on electrocatalysis and physical chemistry.
c) MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
Project description: applied biocatalysis is poised to transform drug discovery and development by pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this proposal is to integrate chemical engineering (3D printed continuous flow reactors) and biocatalysis (stable and recyclable immobilized enzymes) to develop more efficient biotransformations in flow, easy and effective immobilization of enzymes and significantly promote sustainable development of industrial biotechnology. It will have a direct impact in the EU as much from an environmental perspective, as from economic and social perspective, since medicines’ (including vaccines) availability would increase at a reduced cost.
Candidates: we seek candidates with a background in biocatalysis, continuous-flow biotransformation, industrial biotechnology or biotechnology.
d) BIOINSPIRED SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS
Project description: the goal of the project will be to prepare short-peptide based supramolecular materials for personalized medicine applications. For that purpose, we aim to develop reliable methodologies for the preparation and characterization of new soft materials amenable for bioprinting into reproducible organoids. The project will be developed in collaboration with experts in biomedicine and medicinal chemistry.
Candidates: candidates with a strong background on organoid bioprinting will be privileged although we are open to candidates with a broad training on soft matter and biomaterials.
e) ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTORS
Project description: the project will focus on the preparation of high efficiency solar cells, LEDs and laser based on halide perovskites thin films and nanoparticles. The interaction among materials of different nature can produce interesting synergies that might be beneficial, not simply by improving a feature, but also giving rise to new properties or phenomena that do not exist for the single materials. In this context, the interaction between QDs and perovskite has enormous potentialities for the fabrication of photovoltaic devices with the potentiality of surpassing the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit, which will be explored in the project.
Candidates: We seek candidates with a background in chemistry, physics or materials science.
f) NEUROBIOTECHNOLOGY
- Project description 1: The project involves site directed mutagenesis. The aim is to mutate proteins in specific codons to evaluate the functional effects of such changes in vitro and in vivo. The candidate will work closely with nanotechnology group to optimize delivery to specific brain circuits.
Candidates: the candidates are required to have strong background in bioinformatics and molecular biology (cloning PCR). Candidates will be expected to work in a team, actively participating in seminars and journal clubs. Co-directing master theses and/or PhD theses is optional (and recommended).
- Project description 2: The project involves site directed mutagenesis, bacterial expression, and protein purification. The aim is to mutate proteins in specific codons and the study of the functional effects of such amino acid changes in collaboration with other groups in the INAM, evaluating plastic degradation.
Candidates: the candidates are required to have strong background in molecular biology, protein expression systems and advisable expertise in bioinformatics. Candidates will be expected to work in a team, actively participating in seminars and journal clubs. Co-directing master theses and/or PhD theses is optional (and recommended).
One PDF file should be submitted which includes:
i) a motivation letter
ii) CV including a description of previous research experience and list of publications
iii) two letters of potential academic referees
Deadline to contact:
25th June 2021
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