Postdoctoral position (24 months) in main-group chemistry

Postdoctoral position (24 months) in main-group chemistry

University faculty : Sciences

Department : Chemistry department

Grade : researcher

Contract : fixed term contract

Category : scientific personnel

Allocation : External funds

Responsabilities

In the framework of the ERC consolidator project “B-YOND” financed by the Horizon Europe programme (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101044649), a postdoctoral position is available in the Reactivity, Catalysis and Organometallic (RCO) chemistry research group (Prof. Berionni) at the chemistry department of the University of Namur (www.unamur.be/fr/sciences/chimie/recherche/uco/rco).

Job description

As a postdoctoral researcher with excellent expertise in main-group or organometallic chemistry, you will investigate the coordination of ammonia and ammonia surrogates with pyramidal boron Lewis acids. The activation of small molecules (NH3, diazirines, diaziridine, hydrazines, diazo compounds, N2) with frustrated Lewis pair will be investigated and the reactivity and mechanisms will be analysed by NMR spectroscopy, microcalorimetry and stop-flow spectrophotometry.

Profile

The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher with a PhD in main-group, organometallic or coordination chemistry. Very good knowledge and experience in preparative purification techniques, handling of highly reactive species (Schlenk-line and glove-box techniques) and characterization of unstable organic, organometallic and main-group compounds is expected.

Qualifications and skills

Very good knowledge and excellent experimental skills in synthesis, preparative purification techniques and structural characterization of organic molecules (NMR, GC-MS, IR, UV-Vis) is expected. She/He should be autonomous and motivated for fundamental research. Good competence in the use of common chemistry software and databases. Ability to integrate and work in a research team with team spirit. Sense of initiative, responsibility and organization. Excellent communication ability in English (written and oral). Knowledge of French is a plus.

Additional information

You will work in Namur, a historic, dynamic and lively city, located in the heart of Belgium, at 30 minutes of Brussels, the capital of the European Union. During this postdoc of two years, you will perform your research at the University of Namur, in the organic chemistry division, part of the Namur Institute of Structured Matter (https://nism.unamur.be).

You should have been awarded your PhD not more than one year ago and be in an “international mobility situation”. This means that you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 24 months during the three years immediately preceding the start of the postdoctoral fellowship, which is scheduled to start on June 1st, 2026.

You will be awarded a monthly salary amounting ~ € 3300 after tax withdrawal. The position is for an initial duration of one year, renewable once. Soon to be graduating PhD students are welcome to apply.

The recruitment procedure of new researchers ensures compliance with the gender balance and non-discrimination principles of the University of Namur.

Remarks

How to apply?

To apply please send a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a 2 pages summary of your PhD work and the name and e-mail addresses of three reference persons by e-mail to Prof. Guillaume Berionni (guillaume.berionni[@]unamur.be) until April 15th, 2026.