MSCA Doctoral Candidate Position on "Study of Dynamic Covalent Molecular Motors at Surfaces and[...]

University of Strasbourg; France; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading university in France seeks a motivated PhD candidate for a project on dynamic covalent molecular motors. This position offers a chance to work under a Nobel Prize Laureate and be part of an international research network. Candidates will engage in cutting-edge research, attend workshops, and contribute to scientific publications. An attractive salary package is provided, along with opportunities for career development and international collaboration.

Prestations

Living Allowance

Mobility Allowance

Family Allowance

Qualifications

• Strong academic record with a Master degree in Chemistry required.
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or supramolecular chemistry is a prerequisite.

Responsabilités

• Manage and carry out research projects.
• Write articles for scientific peer reviews and a PhD thesis.
• Participate in research and training activities.

Connaissances

Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Supramolecular Chemistry

Networking

Communication

Organizational Skills

Formation

Master Degree in Chemistry

Description du poste

Organisation/Company University of Strasbourg Department Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Other Chemistry » Physical chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 30 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101169136 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The ”Monalisa: Motorized Nanomachines: Fundamentals, Innovations, Applications” project is funded by the MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE Action - Doctoral Network “MonaLisa”, within the Horizon Europe Programme of the European Commission. The project aims to structure a training network for doctoral students (M/F) in the field of Artificial Molecular Machines for a period of 48 months. Monalisa is a consortium of 20 partners composed of high-profile universities, research institutions and companies located in 5 European countries, and will train 15 Doctoral Candidates.

This PhD position (M/F) on the topic “Study of Dynamic Covalent Molecular Motors at Surfaces and in Confined Spaces” will be based in Strasbourg (France) at the Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires( https://isis.unistra.fr/ )within thegroup of Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn(Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry).

The doctoral candidates (DC, M/F) will envision directionally controlled dynamic covalent motion at patterned surfaces. For that, fluorescent nanoparticles decorated with functional groups will be attached to a patterned, functionalized surface via dynamic covalent bonds. Multivalent connections will ensure permanent linkage of the particle to the surface, and external stimuli, such as pH gradient, may be used to drive a net motion along a selected direction. DC will also study the combination of dynamic combinatorial chemistry, imine-based motors, and liposome formation. The general idea is that upon transfer to an aqueous solution of a mixture of aldehydes and amines, some imines may be amplified by forming stable liposomes due to the presence of a cationic head and a lipidic tail. In particular, DC will study how the activation of the imine motor will affect the liposome stability and the chemical composition shifts in the entire chemical network.

The key tasks as a PhD student (M//F) are:
- To manage and carry out research projects
- To attend and participate in research and training activities within the MonaLisa network and local courses
- To write articles for scientific peer reviews
- To write a PhD thesis
- To teach and disseminate research in the scientific community (international conferences) and non-scientific community, by outreach and public engagement
- To be involved in departmental and group activities

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for an outstanding highly motivated candidate (M/F) with a strong academic record holding a Master degree in Chemistry. An excellent theoretical background as well as experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or supramolecular chemistry are a prerequisite. Experience in soft matter materials would be an asset.

Skills/Qualifications
• Master degree or equivalent in organic chemistry
• High proficiency in spoken and written English, minimum C1 level.
• Networking and communication skills, to be evaluated in the interview.
• Excellent communication as well as organisational skills and willing to engage an international, interdisciplinary collaborative research, workshops and secondments.

Candidates (M/F) will be integrated in an international multi-disciplinary team. The candidate (M/F) must therefore have excellent personal skills and be able to work in a team.

Women are especially encouraged to apply.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

The position will be located in Strasbourg, France, including international secondments to partner groups in Europe, participations in workshops or conferences abroad (Europe).

The successful candidates will receive an attractive salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for doctoral candidates ( minimum gross salary: 3050 euros per month ). The generous financial package includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance as well as a family allowance (if eligible). The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months.

A career development plan will be prepared for each fellow of the network in accordance with his/her supervisor and will include training, planned secondments and outreach activities in partner institutions of the network. The DC fellows are supposed to complete their PhD thesis by the end of the 3rd year of their employment.

In order to be eligible, each applicant (M/F) must fulfill the following criteria:

- Nationality: Candidates (M/F) may be of any nationality.

- Mobility: At the date of recruitment, the applicant (M/F) must NOT have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered.

- Qualifications and research experiences: the applicant (M/F) must fulfill the requirements defined for Doctoral Candidates (DCs, M/F): DCs (M/F) are researchers who at the date of recruitment have NOT yet been awarded the doctoral degree and are in the first 4 years (full time equivalent) of his/her research career.
Full-time research experience is measured from the date when a researcher (M/F) obtained the degree which formally entitled him or her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited or seconded, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is or was ever envisaged.

Selection process

Pre-selection will be based on CV, experience, skills and motivation letter. Short-listed candidates (M/F) will be interviewed by an experience selection committee.

Applications should consist of the following documents:
• A complete Curriculum Vitae
• A motivation letter (1 page) addressing his/her research interests in relationship to the individual research project.
• 2 references
• University transcripts and other relevant certificates