Postdoctoral Position in Supramolecular Inorganic Chemistry and Photochemistry
Published: 04/11/2026
Deadline: 25/11/2026
Envisaged Job Starting Date:

December 2026

A Postdoctoral Researcher in Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry and Photochemistry is sought to join the SInBioS group at CIC biomaGUNE. Within the ARGIPrism project, photoactive metal–organic supramolecular assemblies will be developed for biomedical applications. The position will be focused on the design, synthesis and characterization of metallaprisms, with particular emphasis on their self-assembly, photophysical properties and singlet-oxygen generation.

A 12-month postdoctoral position is available within the Supramolecular Inorganic Biosystems (SInBioS) Group at CIC biomaGUNE. The successful candidate will develop photoactive metal–organic supramolecular assemblies based on gold and platinum coordination chemistry for applications at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, photochemistry and biomedicine.

CIC biomaGUNE invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join the ARGIPrism project, which aims to develop multifunctional metal–organic prisms combining molecular recognition, photodynamic activity, photocatalysis and drug delivery within structurally well-defined supramolecular systems.

The project will focus on the design and synthesis of photoactive metallaprisms based on Au(III) and Pt(II) nodes. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how molecular structure, supramolecular assembly, and functionalization influence their photophysical properties, singlet-oxygen generation, stability, and molecular recognition. Functionalization strategies will also be explored to improve aqueous solubility and introduce molecular targeting capabilities.

The researcher will work in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of coordination chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, photochemistry and chemical biology, with access to CIC biomaGUNE’s advanced research infrastructure.

Principal responsibilities

The principal responsibilities will include:

  • Designing and synthesising organic ligands and coordination compounds based particularly on Au and Pt chemistry.

  • Developing and optimising the self-assembly of discrete metal–organic supramolecular architectures.

  • Purifying and structurally characterising new compounds and supramolecular assemblies using techniques including NMR, mass spectrometry, UV–Vis spectroscopy and chromatography.

  • Characterising the photophysical properties of the resulting systems, including absorption and emission spectroscopy, excited-state properties and singlet-oxygen generation.

  • Investigating structure–property relationships connecting molecular and supramolecular structure with photochemical behaviour.

  • Contributing to the functionalization of the assemblies to improve aqueous solubility, stability and molecular targeting.

  • Collaborating with researchers studying host–guest chemistry, DNA recognition, photocatalysis and biological activity of the developed systems.

  • Maintaining accurate experimental records and analysing scientific data.

  • Preparing scientific reports, manuscripts and presentations.

  • Contributing to the supervision and training of junior researchers where appropriate.

Required Education Level:

PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Photochemistry, or a closely related discipline.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

Required Skills/Qualifications

  • Strong research background in the synthesis and characterization of coordination or organometallic compounds.

  • Demonstrated experience with supramolecular chemistry and/or self-assembled molecular systems.

  • Experience in the chemistry of transition-metal complexes, particularly involving Pt, Au or related metals.

  • Experience with standard structural and analytical characterization techniques, including NMR, mass spectrometry and UV–Vis spectroscopy.

  • Experience in the photophysical characterization of molecular systems, particularly luminescent or photoactive coordination compounds.

  • Ability to plan and conduct synthetic research independently.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Good scientific communication and academic writing skills in English.

  • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

  • Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.

Desirable Skills

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be positively valued:

  • Measurement and analysis of singlet-oxygen generation and other photochemical processes.

  • Synthesis or study of photoactive Pt or Au complexes.

  • Coordination-driven self-assembly of discrete supramolecular architectures.

  • Porphyrin chemistry and photodynamic therapy.

  • Host–guest chemistry.

  • Interaction of molecular or supramolecular systems with nucleic acids.

Duration:

Full-time fixed-term (1-year) employment contract subject to applicable legislation and confirmed research funding.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • An updated curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
  • Two reference contacts
  • A one-page statement outlining the candidate’s research interests and explaining how they align with the research activities of the team.
Project Funding:

ARGIPRISM - 2026-CIE4-000001-01 - (Gipuzkoa Provincial Council)

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.

How To Apply:

Submit your application with a motivation letter stating why you are interested in this position, your CV, the contact details of two academics who can provide a reference using the "Apply to this Job Offer" button.

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