PhD position in Synthesis​/Analytical Sciences

Organisation/Company University of Geneva Department Department of Organic Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 25 Jan 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Berlin) Country Switzerland Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 4 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

NEW
PhD position in Synthesis / Analytical Sciences through a Swiss NSF / COST initiative. In Geneva (Jérôme Lacour’s group, Organic Chemistry), highly functionalized macrocycles will be prepared using an original metal carbene approach, elaborated by stepwise introduction of perfluorinated and thiol side chains and then studied for selective PFAS binding studies.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic compounds used in everyday products like waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foams. Their persistence in nature and potential to harm living organisms make them a growing global concern. Detecting PFAS in the environment is difficult because they occur at very low concentrations.

The PhD candidate will be in relation with teams involved in adaptative polymer (EMPA) and fluorescence spectroscopy (ZHAW) sciences. He/She will also be involved in scientific meetings / research activities at the Swiss and European level thanks to the SNF funding and the COST LUCES network.

This project is directly linked to the COST CA22131 Action on Supramolecular Luminescent Chemo sensors for Environmental Security (LUCES).

At UNIGE, where the main part of the synthetic project will occur, studies will be devoted to the (large-scale) synthesis of macrocycles using unusual, high concentration, [3+6+3+6] conditions to prepare, after double tandem amidations and olefin transpositions, unsaturated diaza polyether macrocycles in two steps only from simple morpholine rings. Of importance will be the choice of nitrogen protecting groups and, later, the functionalization of the N-atoms with perfluorinated chains.

You will further look at the stereo selective introduction of thiol groups able that will enable to bind to the polymer materials prepared  simplicity of the synthetic design will allow many iterations to improve binding and antenna effects to enhance luminescence and PFAS discrimination.

Bibliographical references on [3+6+3+6] macrocyclizations and applications

E-mail jerome.lacour

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate must have a Master Degree in chemistry. The position requires knowledge in organic reactivity and supramolecular chemistry, sound skills in synthetic chemistry (organic and organometallic), purification methods, characterization techniques, spectroscopic tools, data processing softwares, a high level of communication skills, both oral and written (English required) to be able to present at conferences and write articles in scientific publications, flexibility adaptability, and creativity.

We are looking for a PhD fellow who will be able to become fully involved within the project, with a thirst for knowledge, a certain independence of thought and strong motivation to develop scientific skills in luminescence sensor materials. In addition, the candidate must be able to work in a team on multi-disciplinary projects.

Specific Requirements

Applications must include a detailed CV; at least two references (people who may be contacted); a cover letter of one page; a one-page summary of the dissertation for the Masters; grades for the Masters 1 or 2 or the engineering degree.