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This project aims to create a new setup for low-field studies of complex reactions systems using our recently presented approach utilizing the synergy of interleaved Time-Resolved Non-Uniform Sampling (TR-NUS) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Time-Resolved Laplace (TR-L) NMR[1] using a low-field spectrometer. The main goal of the project is to develop and adapt the aforementioned methodology from a proof of concept to a powerful, robust analytical tool that can be of help to organic chemists working on the cutting-edge projects. To achieve that, we will first develop Interleaved TR-NUS and TR-L (I-TR-NUS&TR-L) NMR methods to the low-field spectrometers and adapt those methods to be compatible with the flow. After the development phase, we will utilize the new method to study important processes like reversible photopolymerization and click-polymerization. Finally, we will use the information-rich data provided by I-TR-NUS&TR-L to make the automatic optimization setup for the aforementioned reactions. Based on the automatic reactor, an I-TR-NUS&TR-L running benchtop spectrometer, and machine learning algorithms, we will be able to achieve a higher yield and control the reaction to stop at the desired length of the polymer. By providing such a setup, we will create a new tool for fast and robust optimization of complex reactions that will provide a better understanding of the chemical processes.

[1] K. Kristinaityte, A. Mames, M. Pietrzak, F. F. Westermair, W. Silva, R. M. Gschwind, T. Ratajczyk, and M. Urbańczyk, “Deeper Insight into Photopolymerization: The Synergy of Time-Resolved Nonuniform Sampling and Diffusion NMR,” Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 144, pp. 13938–13945, 7 2022.

The post-doc is expected to independently design, plan and conduct experiments. In addition, he/she will oversee the work of the PhD student.

Responsibilities:

-Work on the development automated synthesis setup coupled with benchtop NMR spectrometer

-Design and perform reactions to test and showcase the new setup

-Development or help with development of the software to control and analyze the data acquired from the setup

-Dissemination of research results at project meetings, in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of around 9650 PLN per month financed from the NCN SONATA 18, Project no. 2022/47/D/ST4/00846, entitled “Novel insight into complex reactions. A portable setup for Time-resolved Non-uniform sampling and Laplace NMR”  

100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 6 months.

• The selected candidate will gain the knowledge in a cutting-edge NMR methodology for reaction monitoring. Will gain experience in automated synthesis development.
• The project involves work on the development of the new NMR toolbox for the automated synthesis. The project is mostly focused on the polymer chemistry but other reaction will also be of the interest.
• Access to the superbly equipped  laboratory is well with 4 NMR spectrometers ranging from 80 MHz benchtop up to 500 MHz high-field machines.
• The candidate will have an opportunity to present her/his work at the international conferences

The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition.

• PhD degree in chemical, physical, or    similar sciences, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 12* years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules

*in accordance with the National Science Centre's approval to change the condition regarding the number of years after obtaining the doctoral degree.

• Additionally, the candidate for the postdoctoral position must meet the following condition: they did not have the principal investigator as their research supervisor or auxiliary supervisor of their PhD dissertation.
• Publication record and experience in research.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a group.
• Experience with at least one of the list: (preferably two or more):

1. NMR methodology
2. Automated synthesis
3. Polymer chemistry
4. Programming (preferable Python or Matlab)
5. Machine learning

• Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).
• Strong motivation to work and solving scientific problems, creativity, and analytical thinking
• Additional points for experience in building in-house instruments

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

- competencies for specific tasks in the research project

- previous scientific achievements awards and distinctions resulting from the conducted research