PhD Position in Earth-abundant Metal Photocatalysis and Organic Synthesis Universidad de Murcia in Spain

PhD Position in Earth-abundant Metal Photocatalysis and Organic Synthesis

The group of Dr. Francisco Juliá-Hernández at the Universidad de Murcia (UMU), Spain, is seeking candidates for a PhD position focused on the development of organic synthetic methodologies using earth-abundant metal photocatalysts.

Research area and environment: The project sits at the intersection of chemistry, organic synthesis, photocatalysis, organometallic catalysis, radical chemistry, and homogeneous catalysis. The group is based in the University of Murcia in southeastern Spain and works in brand-new laboratories in the Pleiades-Vitalys UMU Excellence Research Building, with access to modern facilities such as fume cupboards, a glovebox, HPLC, GC-MS, and GC-FID.

Candidate profile: The announcement seeks motivated candidates with creativity and teamwork skills. Applicants should hold an MSc in Chemistry or be close to completing one. Prior experience in organic synthesis, photocatalysis, radical chemistry, organometallic catalysis, and/or homogeneous catalysis will be highly valued.

Supervision and project: The successful candidate will conduct research under the direct supervision of Dr. Francisco Juliá-Hernández within the multidisciplinary PhD program in Chemistry at UMU. The post emphasizes sustainable synthetic methodology and the use of first-row transition metals powered by renewable energy sources such as visible light and electricity.

Funding and timing: The post is advertised as an open PhD position; no stipend or tuition details are specified in the post. The expected starting date is September–October 2026, with some flexibility.

Application process: Applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “PhD position 2026”. Applicants must include a one-page cover letter describing their interest and research experience, a brief CV, transcript of academic records, and the names and contact details of at least two academic referees.

Deadline: 30 May 2026, or until a suitable candidate is found. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.