Postdoctoral position available on enantioselective catalysis using chiral metal nanoparticles.
Published: 07/11/2025
Deadline: 15/12/2025
Envisaged Job Starting Date:

01/march/2026

A postdoctoral position is available at CIC biomaGUNE, in San Sebastián (Spain), to work on the application of chiral nanoparticles to increase the enantiomeric yield in catalytic reactions for the synthesis of bioactive molecular compounds. The selected candidate will be assigned to both the Carbon Bionanotechnology Laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. Maurizio Prato, and the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. Luis Liz-Marzán.

A postdoctoral position is available at CIC biomaGUNE, in San Sebastián (Spain), to work on the application of chiral nanoparticles to increase the enantiomeric yield in catalytic reactions for the synthesis of bioactive molecular compounds. The selected candidate will be assigned to both the Carbon Bionanotechnology Laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. Maurizio Prato, and the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. Luis Liz-Marzán. This position is part of the project Chiral Metal Nanorods for Enantioselective (Amino)catalysis –CHIMERA-, funded by BBVA Foundation Research Program- Fundamentos call 2024. Many drugs are composed of chiral organic molecules, which very often present different biological responses based on their handedness. Therefore, ensuring the efficient synthesis of enantiopure drugs is a crucial step, which may require efficient catalysts. The goal of the CHIMERA project is to develop a framework for the design of environmentally robust chiral nanoparticles at multiple scales, from molecules to nanostructures. Using metallic and bimetallic chiral nanoparticles as catalysts, we expect to enhance enantioselectivity in the production of molecules for use in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.

Required Education Level:

A PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related area, is required.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

Experience in organic synthesis and catalysis is preferred. Knowledge in the fields of colloid science, nanoplasmonics, and data analysis are desirable. The candidates are expected to have interest in multidisciplinary work, motivation to learn from a diversity of scientific areas, and the capacity to work in an international environment. Good interpersonal skills as well as written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Duration:

Full-time, temporary, associated with the research project (total project duration: 36 months).

The Contract duration will be aligned with project requirements 

Project Funding:

CHIMERA - EIC24-1-17250 - (BBVA Foundation)

Informal Inquiries:

Informal requests for additional information can be sent to Luis Liz-Marzan at llizmarzan@cicbiomagune.es or Maurizio Prato at mprato@cicbiomagune.es

Applications sent directly to the emails listed above will be NOT be accepted.

Equal opportunities Policy:

CIC biomaGUNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by European, national, or local law.

Open Transparent and Merit Based Recruitment Policy:

You can check here CIC biomaGUNE OTM-R Policy.

Job Offer is closed, Deadline was 15/12/2025