The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD position in 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). 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. The PhD candidate will be working alongside Prof. Day and his team and will get consistent feedback, assistance, and support.
The PhD programme offers a three‑year full‑time study within the regular PhD programme (Option A) or an up to five‑year full‑time study within the integrated MSc and PhD programme (Option B). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Application deadline: 30‑10‑2026, 23:59 GMT +1.