Postdoctoral or Doctoral Researcher in Photocatalytic Radical Chemistry
Join the Lahdenperä Group at the University of Helsinki to advance photocatalytic radical chemistry and hydrogen atom transfer processes.
Best for:Best for researchers with a passion for organic chemistry, photocatalysis, and radical mechanisms, seeking to contribute to groundbreaking work in photochemistry and surface chemistry.
Overview
This position offers two distinct opportunities—postdoctoral and doctoral—within the newly established Lahdenperä Group at the University of Helsinki’s Department of Chemistry. The research focuses on developing innovative approaches to control radical reactivity in photocatalytic transformations, particularly through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) at surfaces and interfaces. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge experimental work, including the design and synthesis of organic molecules, mechanistic studies of radical reactions, and surface functionalization. Postdoctoral researchers will also contribute to student supervision and funding applications. Both roles emphasize scientific curiosity, independence, and a strong publication record in international journals.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize photocatalytic radical transformations for new chemical applications.
- Conduct mechanistic studies of radical reactions and investigate hydrogen atom transfer processes.
- Design and synthesize novel organic molecules tailored for photocatalytic applications.
- Perform surface functionalization and interface chemistry experiments.
- Supervise and mentor students as part of the research group’s activities.
- Collaborate on future funding applications and contribute to the group’s research strategy.
- Publish scientific results in high-impact international peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in chemistry or a closely related field (for postdoctoral position) OR Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or a related discipline (for doctoral position)
Degree offered: PhD (for doctoral position)
Language: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Instruction: English
Publications: Demonstrated ability to publish scientific results in international peer-reviewed journals
- Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
- Familiarity with photocatalysis, radical chemistry, and hydrogen atom transfer processes.
- Experience in reaction mechanism studies (preferred for postdoctoral position).
- Proficiency in flow chemistry techniques (preferred for postdoctoral position).
- PhD degree in chemistry or related field (or close to completion) for postdoctoral position.
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or related discipline for doctoral position.
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16 · open until filled
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (including a publication list if applicable), a concise motivation letter describing research interests and career plans, and a degree certificate (PhD for postdoctoral applicants; Master's degree for doctoral applicants). If interviewed, two reference contacts will be required.
- CV including publication list
- Motivation letter describing research interests, experience, and career plans
- Degree certificate (PhD for postdoctoral applicants; Master's degree for doctoral applicants)
- University transcript (for doctoral applicants, required before interview)
Contact
Antti Lahdenperä· Research Group Leader
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