PhD Student - Bioinspired Catalysis for the Transformation of Metal-Based Substrates in Sustainability and Chemical Biology (Open)

In recent years, the Salassa group has developed catalytic reactions in which flavins act as photocatalysts to enable the activation of anticancer metal complexes, including clinically approved drugs (see, for example: Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 4619–4625; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2018, 57, 3143–3147; Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 59–67; Chem Catalysis, 2023, 3, 1–14).

This unconventional reactivity, where metal complexes act as substrates rather than catalysts, opens new opportunities for research beyond traditional catalytic frameworks. The present PhD project focuses on the development of a new flavin-based catalytic platform for the transformation of metal-containing substrates, with applications in organic and inorganic synthesis, sustainability, and chemical biology.

Research Environment and Methods The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and will contribute to:

• The development and optimization of new catalytic reactions
• Mechanistic investigations and elucidation of reactivity pathways
• The synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic compounds

Key techniques will include:

• NMR spectroscopy
• UV–Vis and optical spectroscopies
• Electrochemistry 
• Computational methods
• Additional analytical tools as required

We are seeking highly motivated candidates interested in pursuing a PhD at the interface of bioinorganic chemistry, photochemistry, and catalysis. Applicants should have a solid background in organic and inorganic synthesis. Experience in photochemistry, catalysis, or mechanistic studies is advantageous but not required.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/03/31

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Inorganic Photochemistry Lab (PI: Luca Salassa) https://lucasalassa.wixsite.com/salassa

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/06
• Application deadline: 2026/02/09
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

The contract is part of the CEX2024-001491-S grant, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033