Postdoc in Transition-Metal Catalysis & Organometallic Chemistry Full-time NEW

Postdoc Position in Transition-Metal Catalysis & Organometallic Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a Postdoc position in Transition-Metal Catalysis & Organometallic Chemistry. The project is part of the research project “Sustainable, earth-abundant transition-metal-catalysed reactions for the synthesis of fine-chemicals”, which is financed by the ERC Starting grant Light-CAT (Ligand-Driven C–H Activation: Sustainable Catalysis by Design), and the research will take place in the group led by Asst. Professor Craig S. Day.

Start dates are expected to be 01.02.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project will study the development of novel homogeneous transition metal-catalysed reactions utilizing earth-abundant metal catalysts (e.g., Mo, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and the design of a new class of ancillary ligands to facilitate novel reactivity. These reactions will aim to transform abundant feedstock chemicals such as CO2 and biomass into high-value products using thermal, electrochemical, and photochemical means. To realize this goal, a mechanistically guided approach to reaction development will be taken that combines kinetics, organometallic synthesis, and method development. This technological breakthrough promises to serve as a cost-effective method to sustainably construct societally relevant molecules that will reduce our reliance on petrochemically derived chemicals.

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of transition-metal catalysis and organometallic chemistry who must be proficient in English. Applicants must have a background in transition-metal catalysis and can have a background in synthetic organic chemistry, methodology development, organometallic chemistry, mechanistic chemistry, or electrochemistry. All candidates will be assessed in one pool.

The Day group is a recently established research group at the University of Copenhagen that is working on cutting-edge research within homogeneous earth-abundant transition-metal catalysis. The research conducted will focus on understanding fundamental organometallic chemistry to inform the rational reaction design of new catalytic methodologies that can be applied to address current challenges in sustainability. These topics range from the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals to the synthesis of new types of plastics.

The postdoc will be working alongside Prof. Day and his team and will get consistent feedback, assistance, and support. Prof. Day has led numerous projects published in leading academic journals such as Nature Catalysis, Nature Communications, J. Am. Chem. Soc., Chem. Soc. Rev., and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Prof. Day has worked in Canada, USA, Spain, and Denmark and expects to hire candidates to create a vibrant, multicultural group with frequent social activities.

Principal supervisor is Assistant Professor, Craig S. Day, Department of Chemistry, csd@chem.ku.dk.

The postdoc's duties will include research as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to the group leader, Craig S. Day, or the head of administration at the Department of Chemistry, Solvejg Jørgensen.

The position is open from 01.02.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment are covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is October 30th 2026, 23:59 GMT +1. After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews will be held on Week 47/48.