2 PhD Positions in Chiral Nanomaterials and Catalysis (Marie Curie CHIRALNANOMAT) TU Wien in Austria

The CHIRALNANOMAT project at TU Wien offers two fully funded PhD positions focused on the development and application of chiral nanomaterials, specifically monolayer-protected metal nanoclusters (MPCs). These atomically precise nanomaterials, composed of noble metal cores protected by organic ligands, have unique physico-chemical properties and multiscale chirality, making them promising for fundamental research and innovative applications in catalysis and biomedicine. The project is part of a larger Marie Curie network training 13 doctoral candidates across Europe, providing interdisciplinary research opportunities at the intersection of chemistry, physics, materials science, and computation. At TU Wien, the DC1 project centers on tuning chiral properties of Au/Ag nanoclusters through synthesis, ligand exchange, enantioseparation, and advanced surface preparation techniques, with a focus on correlating chiroptical properties with structure and modeling.

The DC11 project investigates chiral clusters as catalysts for enantiodiscrimination in asymmetric reactions, aiming for high conversion and enantioselectivity, and employing operando spectroscopy and theoretical analysis. Supervisors include Dr. Noelia Barrabés, Prof. Thomas Bürgi, Prof.

Katharina Schröder, and Prof. Ewald Janssens. Applicants should have a strong background in chemistry or materials science, with skills in synthesis, surface chemistry, spectroscopy, catalysis, or nanochemistry.

Eligibility requires a Master's degree by late 2025/early 2026, compliance with the Marie Curie mobility rule, and English proficiency at B2 level or higher. The positions are open to candidates of all nationalities, with encouragement for female and underrepresented applicants. Funding is provided through Horizon Europe MSCA, offering a full stipend and benefits. The application deadline is 20 November 2025, and candidates should submit their CV, degree certificates, recommendation letter, and motivation letter to [email protected], indicating any other CHIRALNANOMAT projects they are applying for.