POSTDOCTORAL OR DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN PHOTOCATALYTIC RADICAL CHEMISTRY

The University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry, invites applications for a postdoctoral or doctoral researcher position in photocatalytic radical chemistry at the newly established Lahdenperä Group. Initially, the position is fixed-term for 12-months with a possibility of an extension.

Position description

The successful candidate will join an organic chemistry research group at the Department of Chemistry located at Kumpula campus. The research group aims to develop new concepts for controlling radical reactivity in photocatalytic transformations. The project focuses on the development of new approaches for controlling radical reactivity through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) at surfaces and interfaces.

Highlights of PI's previous work on photochemistry:

Science (2024): Chiral hydrogen atom abstraction catalysts for the enantioselective epimerization of meso diols.

JACS (2025): Catalytic deracemization of 1,2-aminoalcohols through enantioselective hydrogen atom abstraction.

JACS (2022): Enantioselective Giese additions of prochiral α-amino radicals, establishing new methods for asymmetric radical C-C bond formation.

The project will involve:

Development and optimisation of photocatalytic radical transformations

Mechanistic studies of radical reactions and detailed investigation of HAT processes.

Surface functionalization and interface chemistry.

Design and synthesis of organic molecules.

The postdoctoral researcher will additionally be expected to contribute to the supervision of students and participate in future funding applications.