PhD position in Organic Synthesis (1.0 FTE)

We are looking for a PhD candidate in the group of Prof. A. J. Minnaard, who leads a natural product synthesis group at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry (see: minnaardgroup.nl). The project is entitled “selective modification of unprotected carbohydrates.”

Carbohydrates (sugars) are ubiquitous in the living cell and fulfill essential roles. Carbohydrates are also used as building blocks in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, natural products and in general as renewable starting materials. The group contributes significantly to recent developments in (photoredox) catalysis and electrochemistry that allow modification of carbohydrates in a site-selective manner without protecting groups.

This PhD project aims to expand the repertoire of selective carbohydrate modifications in terms of methodology and substrate scope. The developed knowledge will be applied in the synthesis of complex carbohydrate-based natural products. You will be trained in organic synthesis and catalysis, including NMR spectroscopy and chromatography, in photoredox chemistry and in electrosynthesis. Additionally, you will be involved in teaching, by supervising tutorials and bachelor/master theses.

Organisation

The University of Groningen is a research university within the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.

The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as chemical biology, organic synthesis, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute.

We are looking for creative, motivated, and determined candidates, who meet the following requirements:
- A Master's degree in Chemistry.
- Experience in organic synthesis.
- Good communication skills in English.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:
- A salary of € 2901 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3707 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
- An 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A position for four years; you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.

A university PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

Prof. A.J. Minnaard