Research Assistant - DNA as a Chiral Environment for Asymmetric Catalysis (Open)

The selected candidate will carry out original research and will be responsible for:

• Developing and optimizing DNA-assisted catalytic processes for the synthesis of chiral organic molecules.
• Establishing protocols for bioconjugating DNA to membrane surfaces
• Characterization of DNA bioconjugation and DNA-ligand interactions by QCM-D and MP-SPR
• Constructing a catalytic DNA-membrane reactor
• Synthesizing and characterizing organic compounds, and determining enantiomeric excess by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques
• Elucidating the factors that govern enantioselectivity in the catalytic systems studied
• Applying the optimized methodology to targets of pharmaceutical relevance
• Disseminating results (publications and conferences) and contributing to project management tasks within the European consortium

• Degree in Chemistry (preferably with a focus on Organic Chemistry), or in Physics or Engineering with a demonstrated track record in the synthesis and characterization of organic compounds
• Master in Polymer Chemistry
• Familiarity with cycloaddition reactions, C–H activation and related topics
• Experience with analytical and separation techniques: QCM-D, SPR, CD, HPLC, UPLC, NMR and IR
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently, proactively and creatively, with a high level of scientific rigour. The research takes place within a demanding European collaboration (FUNAMBULIST), so teamwork with international partners is an integral part of the position

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/11/02

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.

The group is led by Dr. Iván Rivilla de la Cruz (Ikerbasque Research Associate at DIPC). Further information: https://www.ikerbasque.net/es/ivan-rivilla DIPC is a research centre whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, and to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain), it originated from a strategic alliance of public institutions and private companies. DIPC has been a Basque Excellence Research Centre (BERC) since 2008 and was recognized as a “Severo Ochoa” Centre of Excellence by the Spanish State Research Agency in 20

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: 2026/47
• Application deadline: 2026/10/22
• 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.