Postdoctoral Researcher in Synthesis and Analysis

University of Helsinki / General; Finland; On-site; EUR 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Synthesis and Analysis within the Department of Chemistry. The fixed-term role lasts 12 months with possible extension, starting as soon as possible.

The project focuses on closed-loop dissolution/activation for recycling PGMs and REEs using green chemistry and mechanochemistry, bridging coordination chemistry, organometallics, and organic synthesis. Applicants should have a PhD in chemistry and strong English.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or related field.
• Experience in metal recycling, coordination chemistry, or organometallics is advantageous.
• Strong motivation for multidisciplinary research and independent work.

Responsibilities

• Develop recycling protocols for different metals.
• Characterize reaction mixtures and isolated materials.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Present findings at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts.

Skills

Coordination chemistry

Molecular metal compounds

Homogeneous metal catalysis

Organic synthesis

Mechanochemistry

Education

PhD degree in chemistry

Tools

NMR

PXRD

HRMS

ICP-MS/AES

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 8 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The Department of Chemistry invites applications for onePOSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERposition in Synthesis and Analysis. The successful applicant will join the developing research group at the Department of Chemistry. The position is fixed-term for 12 months with a possible extension. Employment starts as soon as possible.

The postdoctoral position funded by the Research Council of Finland aims to design closed-loop dissolution/activation laboratory and scaled-up methodologies for recycling platinum group metals and rare-earth elements using green chemicals energy- and resource-efficient approaches - including organometallurgy and mechanochemistry - complying with sustainable development, resource safety and circular economy. This interdisciplinary project lays on the interface between coordination chemistry, metal dissolution and organometallurgy, organic chemistry, methodology development and mechanochemistry. Postdoctoral researcher’s tasks will include the development of recycling protocols for different metals, advanced characterization of the reaction mixtures and obtained isolated materials. The work will also comprise help in the supervision of undergraduate, graduate and visiting students. The researcher is expected to present their findings in scientific meetings, prepare funding applications for travel and research grants, as well as prepare manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals. The position has a trial period of 6 months.

Requirements

Motivated, ambitious and self-driven candidates with a PhD degree in a relevant field (chemistry or related) interested in metal recycling are encouraged to apply. Experience in the fields of coordination complex chemistry, molecular metal compounds, homogeneous metal catalysis, organic synthesis, mechanochemistry of metals, as well as experience in analytical techniques including NMR, PXRD, HRMS and ICP-MS/AES are advantageous. Most importantly, you should have 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 salary will be in accordance with the University salary system (requirement level 5). In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be approximately 3900–4200 €/month.

University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and ample opportunities for professional development and language studies. The International Staff Services office ( https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university ) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

The deadline for applications isOctober 8th,unless the right candidate is found before. Interviews will commence right away, already during the application period.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to the University of Helsinki. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from different gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities to apply for the position. You can read about the accessibility and inclusivity of our university via this link.

Additional information

For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Research Council of Finland Fellow, Dr. Anže Zupanc ( [e-mail] ).