موقعیت‌های خالی در دانشگاه‌های خارج از کشور

[yasin123]

Research Fellow in Marine Geology at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Geology


Application deadline: 12.11.09
The following reference number must be quoted in your application: 2009/7094

The University of Tromsø has a research fellow position in “Marine Geology: Methane Release and Past Climate Change” vacant for applicants who would like to complete a PhD degree.

The Faculty of Science and Technology consist of the following departments: Department of Physics and Technology, Department of Geology, Department of Computer Science, Department of Chemistry, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and Department of Engineering and Safety.

The position is organized under the Department of Geology.

Desired research area: Investigation of the effect of climate changes on the release of free and dissolved CH4 gas into the ocean studied in seafloor and sub-seafloor sediment samples from Arctic seas. The proposed project will be based on benthic and planktic foraminiferal fauna determinations and stable isotope analyses. Areas on the shelf and slope around Svalbard concentrating on active fluid release chimneys as well as outside will be investigated. Distributions of living benthic foraminifera assemblages in relation to methane seeps are to be studied.
The PhD-candidate will cooperate with several on-going projects including the EU-project DS3F (Deep Sea Frontier Research) involving the fields of geophysics and geology, geochemistry, biogeochemistry, microbiology and biology and global climate change.

The successful applicant must document knowledge in marine geology at master’s level. Further, the successful applicant must fulfil the requirements for admission to the faculty’s PhD programme, cf. Section 5 (Chapter II) of Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Tromsø, http://uit.no/forsknavd/ph.d.-forskrift/1 and the faculty’s supplementary regulations.

The normal period of appointment is four years. The PhD study is standardized to three years. The fourth year consists of teaching or other duties for the university, organized according to a distribution formula of 25 % per year in agreement with the Head of Department, cf. the directive for duties for research fellows (in Norwegian only): http://uit.no/getfile.php?PageId=6139&FileId=37.

A shorter period of appointment may be given if the research fellow has already completed parts of his/her researcher’s education, or when previous appointments to educational positions (research fellow, research assistant or equivalent) are counted as part of the duration of the research fellowship, so that the combined duration of the researcher’s education is three years.

Remuneration is in accordance with the State wage scale code 1017, pay grade 45, currently NOK 355 600 per annum. A compulsory contribution of 2 % is made to the Norwegian State Pension Fund.

Concerning applications for an appointment, a description outlining the academic basis of the doctoral degree project would be helpful for the evaluation process. The successful candidate must apply separately for admission to the PhD study as quickly as possible after the appointment and no later than one month after commencement. Admission to the doctoral degree programme must be obtained within two months at the latest after commencement and a final plan for the researcher education must be approved and regulated by contract. The plan is to state who is responsible for providing academic supervision. Admission to the doctoral degree programme is a prerequisite for appointment to research fellowships. If an admission contract has not been signed by the deadline, as stated in the work contract, the employer may consider cancelling the work contract, cf. Section 1-3 (8) in Regulations for conditions of appointment to post doctoral positions, research fellowships, research assistants and specialist candidates (in Norwegian only): http://www.lovdata.no/for/sf/kd/kd-20060131-0102.html

Applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. The main emphasis of the assessment will be on the applicant’s potential for research as is evident from:

• Master’s thesis or equivalent
• Other scientific work
• Candidates suggested project outline

Experience with climate research concerning microfossils (for example foraminifera) and/or geochemistry (for example stable isotopes) are considered an advantage. In addition, work experience and other activities of significance for the implementation of the doctoral degree programme and possible teaching qualifications may be taken into consideration. Administration and organizational experience will be viewed favourably.
Information and material to be considered must be submitted by the deadline for applications.

Applicants must submit a list of all their scientific work including details of possible publication.

For further information, please contact: Professor Tine Rasmussen, Phone: + 47 776 44408, e-mail: tine.rasmussen@uit.no or Professor Jürgen Mienert, Phone: +47 776 44446, e-mail: jurgen.mienert@uit.no


The application is to be submitted electronically on the application form available at:
“Apply for the job” at this page.

In addition, the application, including CV, certified copies of diplomas and references and the list of scientific work are to be sent in five copies by the deadline for applications, directly to:

Faculty of Science and Technology
University of Tromsø
NO-9037 Tromsø
NORWAY


THE SCIENTIFIC WORK – published or unpublished – the applicant wishes to be taken into consideration during the evaluation process must be submitted in three copies arranged as three complete sets. The scientific work is to be sent to the above-mentioned address by the deadline for applications.

All documentation that is to be evaluated must be certified and translated into English or a Scandinavian language.

Applicants are to refer to Supplementary regulations for appointment to research positions (research fellows) at the University of Tromsø (in Norwegian only) and Regulations for conditions of employment to postdoctoral research fellow positions, research fellow positions, research assistant positions and specialist candidate positions):
http://uit.no/persok/arbeidsforhold/6

Questions concerning the organization of the working environment, such as the physical state of the place of employment, health service, possibility for flexible working hours, part time, etc. as well as questions concerning the PhD study may be directed to the telephone reference. According to personnel policy objectives that the staff is to reflect the composition of the population in general, both with respect to gender and cultural multiplicity, women and people with a minority ethnic background in particular are encouraged to apply.
The University of Tromsø is an Inclusive Workplace enterprise, and will try to adapt working conditions for employees with impaired capacity.

In case of discrepancies between the Norwegian and the English version of this description, the Norwegian version takes precedence.

Personal data given in an application or CV will be processed in accordance with the Act relating to the processing of personal data (the Personal Data Act).
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, section 25, 2nd paragraph, the applicant may request not to be registered on the public list of applicants.
The University may nevertheless decide that the name of the applicant will be made public. The applicant will be notified beforehand in the event of such publication.

[nima56]

PhD student position in New Fibers

Reference number 2009/165
Apply for this job
Application deadline 2009-12-04
The newly-created Wallenberg Wood Science Center is seeking PhD students and postdoctoral scientists to engineer functionalities of wood components and create new generation of sustainable materials based on wood polymers.
Wallenberg Wood Science Center is a joint research center established with KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden and Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, as participants. The annual budget exceeds 40 MSEK and at least 50 people will participate.
The objective is underpinning materials research for utilization of our forests in new products, such as ”green” polymers and biocomposite materials. The tree is viewed as a source of chemicals, monomers, biopolymers and fibers. Recent advances in nanotechnology, polymer science, biotechnology and mechanics are being combined with established forest products technologies in a new multidisciplinary research center located in Stockholm and in Gothenburg.

Job description
This project will focus on development of a new regeneration process for wood cellulose. The PhD student will study regeneration of wood cellulose using ionic solvents. This project will combine efforts in organic chemistry, polymer physics and material processing. There is a broad field of applications for regenerated cellulose fibers ranging from reinforcement in composites, health care products and technical textiles. The project includes fiber spinning processing step which will be carried out at Swerea.
The position is limited to maximum five years and corresponds to full-time research studies during four years. In addition, teaching in the undergraduate or masters curriculi at Chalmers could be included corresponding to one year, teaching work distributed over the whole time of the position.
The candidate will be working at the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a MSc in Chemical engineering. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is a must.
We are looking for quality-conscious candidates with an innovative way of thinking. You are a persistent person who has problem-solving analysis skills and most important, you are able to work well with other people.
Application procedure

The application shall be written in English and include the following items:

1. An application of a maximum of one A4 page containing your specific qualifications for the position
2. Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Letters of recommendation and name of reference persons (optional)

The application shall be sent electronically as pdf or zipped documents. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

If any material is not available electronically or cannot be transferred to pdf format, the material can be sent as a hard copy to Registrar. The applicants name and the reference number (2009/165) must be written on the first page of the application.
Address:
Registrar
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden
Further information
For further information, please contact
Associate Professor Gunnar Westman, Organic Chemistry, westman@chalmers.se
Adjunct Professor Pernilla Walkenström, Swerea, Pernilla.Walkenstrom@swerea.se
Professor Paul Gatenholm, Biopolymer Technology, paul.gatenholm@chalmers.se
Union representatives

• SACO: Jan Lindér
• ST: Marie Wenander
• SEKO: Johan Persson

All reachable via Chalmers exchange: +46 31 772 10 00

Apply for this job

[yasin123]

2 PhD research fellowships at Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (NT- 63/09)


The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (NT) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invite applicants for two PhD research fellowships. The fellowships are open to applicants in all areas of research covered by the faculty. Further information on the faculty and its six departments is available at http://www.nt.ntnu.no.

The applicants are awarded PhD fellowships on a competitive basis, to help recruit talented candidates for the PhD study programs administered by the faculty.

Applicants must have completed a master degree (MSc, MEng) or provide documentation of equivalent training in a field relevant to research pursued at one of NT’s departments, and must satisfy the formal grades requirements for admission to the PhD studies at NTNU. Regulations concerning the PhD at NTNU can be found at http://www.nt.ntnu.no/forskerutdanning/.

In order to be accepted as a PhD student the grades of the MSc study has to be sufficiently high (in Norway: B/2.5 or better), or the applicant has to document a similar level through later scientific work. Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: http://ec.europa.eu/education/polici...iploma_en.html

Moreover, we request that the candidates contact a relevant research group at the faculty to define a project. A brief outline of the project, signed by both the applicant and his/her prospective supervisor (faculty member in that research group) should be included with the application.

The appointment of the PhD research fellow will be made according to Norwegian guidelines for universities and university colleges and to the general regulations regarding university employees. Applicants for the position must agree to participate in organized doctoral study programs within the period of the appointment and have to be qualified for the PhD-study. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent. It is therefore a major political objective to achieve a balance of age and gender and to recruit persons with an immigrant background. Immigrants are encouraged to apply for this post. NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply.

PhD fellowships at NTNU are awarded for a period of 3 years but may be prolonged for a total period of 4 years incl. 25 % of teaching duties. These duties are commonly distributed over the 4 years.

Further information on these fellowships can be obtained from the vice-dean for research, Åse Krøkje, phone +47 73 59 61 26, email Ase.Krokje@bio.ntnu.no or the dean, Bjørn Hafskjold, phone +47 73 59 44 87, email bjorn.hafskjold@nt.ntnu.no, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, NTNU.

The positions will be administratively connected to the department where the main supervisor is located.

The start salary for the PhD research fellow is set at code 1017, level 45, NOK 355 400 (before tax) in the Norwegian state salary scale. 2% of the salary will be deducted at source as a mandatory premium to the Norwegian State Pension Fund.

The application must include curriculum vitae with information on the candidate’s prior training, exams, and work experience and in addition a brief outline of the project.

Applications with CV and other documents should be sent via link on this page. Preferably we want the attachments in one file.

The reference number of the position is NT-63/09.

Application deadline is 2009-11-06.

[yasin123]

PhD Candidate in CO2 pipeline integrity (IVT-110/09)


«BIGCCS – International CCS Research Centre» is one of eight centres established by the Norwegian Research Council (Norges Forskningsråd) under the scheme of Environmentally Friendly Research Centres (CEER).

The main objective of the BIGCCS Centre is to contribute to the ambitious targets of the Climate Agreement adopted by the Norwegian Parliament in February 2008. The BICCS Centre focuses on sustainable power generation from fossil fuels based on cost-effective CO2 capture, safe transport, and underground storage of CO2. This will be achieved through development of expertise and closing critical knowledge gaps in the CO2 chain, and through development of novel technologies in an extensive collaborative research effort.

With 21 partners, a period of eight years, and a budget of NOK 400 million, the BIGCCS Centre is the largest CCS R&D project in Europe.

Web:
www.sintef.no/Projectweb/BIGCCS
http://www.forskningsradet.no/
Key topics are to develop validated models for prediction of fracture in steel pipelines, and to enable a coupled numerical analysis of running ductile fracture in pipelines pressurized with CO2 and CO2 mixtures, linking the structural response of the pipe with the behavior of the pressurized media inside the pipe. Numerical simulation of fracture and crack propagation in steel pipelines is a complex interplay, involving factors like large deformations, contact, elastic-plasticity, viscous and thermal effects, damage, localization and length-scale effects.

Suitable background:
Physics, mechanics

Contact:

• Christian Thaulow (christian.thaulow@sintef.no)
• Cato Dørum (cato.dorum@sintef.no)

Salaries
PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017 in the State salary scale 45-51, gross NOK 355 400 to NOK 394 200 per annum (before tax), depending on qualifications.
PhD candidates are normally remunerated at wage level 45. There will be a 2 % deduction to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Found from gross salary.

Other information
For PhD research fellowships the engagement period is either 3 years or alternatively 4 years, including 25 % of teaching assistance at the bachelor’s and master’s degree level. A master degree is requisite for application for PhD fellowships, an average grade of B or better is required. For more information on PhD studies at NTNU see http://www.ntnu.no/studies/phd

The appointment of the PhD fellows will be made according to Norwegian guidelines for universities and university colleges. Applicants for a PhD position are obliged to engage on an organized research program, and appointment requires approval of the applicant’s plan for PhD study. The candidates will be part of a larger interdisciplinary research group within the project they are connected to, and are expected to contribute actively part to the common objectives of the project. The position adheres to the Norwegian Government’s policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Persons with immigrant background are encouraged to apply. NTNU’s objective is to increase the number of females in scientific positions. Female applicants are therefore encouraged to apply.

All applicants must be able to communicate fluently in English (in speaking and writing). Applicants must indicate their level skills in English.

All applications shall include certified copies of academic transcript, TOEFL score and CV, and be submitted electronically through this page. The attachments to the applications shall be gathered in one single file.
Application deadline: 20 November 2009.

[nima56]

PhD student position in photoelectrochemistry
at the Department of Materials Chemistry.
Research area: Inorganic Materials Chemistry
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join a project in photoelectrochemistry (PEC). PEC study focuses on the conversion of photonic (solar) energy to chemical energy. The PEC energy conversion efficiency is determined to a great extent by the properties of photo-electrodes, especially photo-anodes. The aim of the project is to prepare highly efficient nanostructured semiconductor photoanodes, and set up a PEC device that is efficient, durable and stable in practical applications. By using state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization methods, the parameters, which determine the total cross-section of the PEC process, will be identified and scrutinized in a systematic way. The parameters include size, morphology and arrangement of the photoanode nanomaterials, which can be controlled accurately and varied intentionally in preparation. This high degree of control aids the understanding of the mechanisms behind, which can further optimize the photon efficiency. Both nanofabrication and characterization can be carried out at Department of Materials Chemistry and the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala University.
The applicant is expected to have a Masters degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials or Physics. Experience in one or several of the following subjects is beneficial: solid state chemistry, optical characterization, nanofabrication and characterization, electrochemistry. You should be good at communicating and teaching in English, and also able to work independently. A PhD position normally includes 4 years of full-time studies. Department duties such as teaching can amount to a maximum of 20%.
Salary is based on local guidelines at Uppsala University.
The application should include a statement of research interest and relevant experience, CV, official transcript of records for the courses and thesis, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, letter(s) of recommendation should be included.
For more informationon this position, please contact: Jiefang Zhu, jiefang.zhu@mkem.uu.se., tel 46 18 471 3722. Union representatives are Anders Grundström, SACO-rådet, tel: +46 18-471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, tel: +46 18-471 1996 and Stefan Djurström, SEKO, tel: +46 18-471 3315.
The application should be sent , preferrably by e-mail to: registrator@uu.se, or by fax + 46 18 471 2000, or by mail to: Registrar´s Office, Uppsala University, Box 256, SE-751 05 UPPSALA, Sweden. In any correspondence, please use the reference number UFV-PA 2009/2498. Application no later than 11 November, 2009.

[nima56]

PhD Student Chemical Reactor Engineering(V37.682)

at Chemical Reactor Engineering Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry (ST) is one of the nine departments of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). It was established in 1957. The department has approximately 500 employees (411 fte), 13 full professors, 370 undergraduate students (bachelor and masterstudents) and about 170 graduate students (140 Ph.D. and 30 design engineers).The department aspires to be an academic institution for education and research in chemical science and engineering that meets the highest international standards. The aim is to generate and to develop technology and scientific knowledge relevant for the long-term needs of society. Scientific curiosity and the use of newly generated knowledge are the main driving forces for the continuing enhancements of the three chosen fields of expertise: molecular, materials, and process engineering.
The research of the group focuses on understanding and controlling the interaction of transport and reaction processes in the realization and testing of chemical reactors for a wide range of applications. Research projects are carried out in three areas, viz. "microstructured reactors and devices", "structured multiphase reactors", and "dynamic reactor operation".
Tasks

In this project a new microreactor system for the aqueous phase reforming (APR) of bio-feedstocks to hydrogen will be developed. This project is a collaboration between the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group at Utrecht University (UU, Bitter and de Jong) and the Chemical Reactor Engineering group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e, Nijhuis and Schouten) and is carried out in the scope of the CatchBio program. In Utrecht a PhD student will focus on the catalyst development, in Eindhoven a PhD student will focus on the optimal performance of this catalyst in a microreactor system and work towards the integration of the reactor in a complete fuel processing system.
The catalyst should be an active and stable non-noble metal based system, which is capable of dealing with different biofeeds. The reactor development part of the project, will be aiming at operating this catalyst under such conditions that an optimal hydrogen production is obtained. By quickly removing the hydrogen produced from the liquid stream, the hydrogen selectivity can be optimized, as this will suppress the undesirable hydrogenation of the feed.
The focus will be at the development of a small scale APR unit, which can be directly integrated with a fuel cell.
The PhD research for this vacancy (in Eindhoven) will include:
- investigation of APR using different bio-feedstocks.
- development of a catalytic APR microreactor
- investigation of the effect of the removal of hydrogen produced during APR on the catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability
- development of an APR microreactor with in-situ hydrogen removal
- depending on the progress of the project, recycling of unreacted feed and downstream hydrogen processing will be included in the microreactor development.
Requirements

Candidates with an M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, process technology, or related disciplines are invited to apply for this position. A background in catalysis and/or chemical reactor engineering is preferred.
Appointment and Salary

Wij bieden:
A four year contract.
The gross monthly salary increases from € 2.000,- in the first year to € 2.558,- in the fourth year. There will be an evaluation after one year. The TU/e offers attractive secondary job conditions.
Information

Meer informatie is te verkrijgen via:
Prof.dr.ir. J.C. Schouten
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Chemical Reactor Engineering, P.O. Box 513 (Helix, STW 1.35),
5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Tel. +31 40 247 2850, fax. +31 40 244 6653, e-mail: SCRsecr.ST@tue.nl; website: www.chem.tue.nl/scr.
Please mention de vacancy number (V37.682) in the subject of your e-mail.

Application

Uw schriftelijke sollicitatie met uitgebreid curriculum vitae kunt u richten aan:
Suitable candidates are invited to send their curriculum vitae with motivation (half A4), a list of courses followed (with grades), a list of their publications, and the correspondence details of at least three references before January 1, 2010 to:
Prof.dr.ir. J.C. Schouten
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Chemical Reactor Engineering, P.O. Box 513 (Helix, STW 1.35),
5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Tel. +31 40 247 2850, fax. +31 40 244 6653, e-mail: SCRsecr.ST@tue.nl; website: www.chem.tue.nl/scr.
Please mention de vacancy number (V37.682) in the subject of your e-mail.

You can apply for this job before 31-12-2009

[yasin123]

Up to 15 PhD positions at Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (NT- 82/09)


The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (NT) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invite applicants for until 15 PhD research fellowships. The fellowships are open to applicants in all areas of research covered by the faculty. Further information on the faculty and its six departments is available at http://www.nt.ntnu.no .

The applicants are awarded PhD fellowships on a competitive basis, to help recruit talented candidates for the PhD programs administered by the faculty at http://www.ntnu.no/nt/english/phd

Applicants must have completed a master degree (MSc, MEng) or provide documentation of equivalent training in a field relevant to research pursued at one of NT’s departments, and must satisfy the formal grades requirements for admission to the PhD programmes at NTNU.

Promising candidates who deliver their master thesis within 1st of July are encouraged to apply. Regulations concerning the PhD at NTNU can be found at http://www.ntnu.no/nt/forskerutdanning/

In order to be accepted as a PhD candidate the grades of the MSc study have to be sufficiently high (in Norway: B/2.5 or better), or the applicant has to document a similar level through later scientific work. Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: http://ec.europa.eu/education/polici...iploma_en.html

Moreover, the candidates have to contact a relevant research group at the faculty to define a project. An outline of the project, signed by both the applicant and his/her prospective supervisor (faculty member in that research group) should be included with the application.

The appointment of the PhD research fellow will be made according to Norwegian guidelines for universities and university colleges and to the general regulations regarding university employees. Applicants for the position must agree to participate in organized doctoral study programs within the period of the appointment and have to be qualified for the PhD-study. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent. It is therefore a major political objective to achieve a balance of age and gender and to recruit persons with an immigrant background. Immigrants are encouraged to apply for this post. NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply.

PhD fellowships at NTNU are awarded for a period of 3 years but may be prolonged for a total period of 4 years incl. 25 % of teaching duties.

Further information on these fellowships can be obtained from the vice-dean for research, Åse Krøkje, phone +47 73 59 61 26, email Ase.Krokje@nt.ntnu.no or the dean, Bjørn Hafskjold, phone +47 73 59 44 87, email bjorn.hafskjold@nt.ntnu.no, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, NTNU.

The positions will be administratively connected to the department where the main supervisor is located.

The start salary for the PhD research fellow is set at code 1017, level 45, NOK 355 400 (before tax) in the Norwegian state salary scale. 2% of the salary will be deducted at source as a mandatory premium to the Norwegian State Pension Fund.

The application must include curriculum vitae with information on the candidate’s prior training, exams, and work experience and in addition a brief outline of the project.

Applications with CV and other documents should be submitted electronically through this page (Apply for this job). Preferably we want the attachments in one file.

The reference number of the position is NT-82/09
Application deadline is 2010-01-25.

Please refer to where you first saw this position!

[nima56]

Non-photochemical routes to diazahelicenes


50000403v1538

Promoter: Wim Dehaen

details
Description: Helicenes containing nitrogen heteroatoms will be prepared by constructing bicyclic and tricyclic building blocks, connecting them and carrying out a cyclisation or cycloaddition by non- photochemical ways.
Thus, racemic helicene compounds are obtained that can be resolved by using the formation of diastereoisomers, chiral (HPLC) chromatography, or crystallisation techniques. Another alternative is the enantioselective helicene formation.
The helicenes will be substituted with functions that will allow to study the NLO properties together with the research team of Prof. Dr. Koen Clays (GOA-project). Other applications are enantioselective catalysis.
There is a material relevance, but basically this is a study of synthetic methodology.

Remark : please only apply if you are eligible for the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window

Key words: synthetic methodology heterocyclic chemistry helicenes chirality cyclisation reactions

Latest application date: 2010-05-01

Financing: Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window

Type of Position: scholarship

Source of Funding: EMECW

Duration of the Project : 4 years

Research group: Department of Chemistry

http://phd.kuleuven.be/apply/index.p...id=1538&titel=

[nima56]

Synthesis of new fluorescent materials


50000403v1688

Promoter: Wim Dehaen

details
Description: The use of fluorescent molecules in new materials is receiving increasing attention in the scientific literature. They are currently used in several organic materials such as LED’s, lasing materials and photonic devices.
4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (commercialized as BODIPY®) is currently one of the most studied fluorescent molecules. The compound can be prepared from selected pyrroles in a few steps. It can be excited with visible light, emits strongly with high quantum yields and narrow bands and shows relatively high molar extinction coefficients.

In recent years our group found and reported several methods of substituting the BODIPY core. We are currently trying to expand these methods towards applications in the field of new molecular materials, sensors and long wavelength emitting dyes. This project concerns the synthesis, characterisation and application of BODIPY’s in new materials.

The project starts with the synthesis of new BODIPY dyes. In this synthesis we aim for compounds that absorb and emit in the red, as this is highly interesting for use of infrared light. Shifting the fluorescence of a compound to the red is generally done by introducing extended conjugation. A few new synthetic routes towards these interesting molecules will be tested along the way.

Once the desired compounds are obtained, we will substitute the dyes selectively towards application in new materials. Some of the most interesting applications are polymerisation of fluorescent sensors, introduction on nano-particles and design of new photonic devices.
Measurement and characterisation of the novel materials will be done in cooperation with several other groups.

Key words: BODIPY, fluorescence, biosensors, materials, organic synthesis

Latest application date: 2010-05-01

Financing: Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window

Type of Position: scholarship

Source of Funding: CSC

Duration of the Project : 3-4 years

Research group: Department of Chemistry

http://phd.kuleuven.be/apply/index.p...id=1688&titel=

[nima56]

Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole) for hydrolysis of cellulose


50000403v1837

Promoter: Wim Dehaen, Bert Sels and Mario Smet

details
Description: Acidic hydrolysis of cellulose is an attractive route to produce glucose in a sustainable way without direct competition with food supply. However, due to its crystalline structure, cellulose is highly resistant to hydrolysis, usually resulting in a slow process and many side products.

Highly branched polymers have numerous terminal groups which can easily be interconverted. They usually display a higher solubility than their linear counterparts and hence are excellent candidates for homogeneous catalysis if catalytic groups are introduced at the well exposed terminal groups on the hyperbranched polymer surface. Additionally, for the hydrolysis of cellulose, a good adsorption of the catalyst to the insoluble cellulose particles is likely to be crucial for efficient conversion.

Therefore, the hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole)s recently developed in our group, are expected to have excellent characteristics for the development of highly efficient cellulose hydrolysis catalysts. They are relatively easily synthesized, can readily be decorated with numerous catalytically active terminal groups (such as sulfonic acid groups) and can additionally be functionalized with chemical groups specially intended to improve the adsorption to the cellulose particles. Moreover, they are perfectly stable under the expected reaction conditions (pH = ~0, ~150 °C).
The synthesis is accomplished by acid catalyzed polycondensation of A3 monomer and commercially available isatin as the B2 monomer. The polymer thus obtained will be sulfonated, resulting in a tuneable number of sulfonic acid groups. It is anticipated that the local concentration of sulfonic acid groups combined with the amide groups, which are able to bind to the cellulose via hydrogen bonding, will result in high hydrolytic acitivity, with minimal by-products formed due to the moderate acidity of the aromatic sulfonic acid groups and the buffer effect of the amide groups.
Crucial molecular characteristics will be varied in order to evaluate their effect on the catalytic activity, such as the molar mass and the number of sulfonic acid groups present. Moreover, linear analogues will be prepared and evaluated in order to assess the influence of the densely branched topology. Analogues containing additional amide groups will be synthesized using triamide as the A3 monomer. This will provide insight in the anticipated role of the amide groups as adsorbing entities. Finally, These hyperbranched molecules can readily be crosslinked, resulting in insoluble network particles. The catalytic activity of the latter will be evaluated as well, as they allow easy removal from the reaction mixture and hence facilitate the recycling of the catalyst.


Key words: organic synthesis, hyperbranched polymers, cellulose hydrolysis, sustainable chemistry

Latest application date: 2010-07-01

Financing: dbof-scholarship

Type of Position: scholarship

Source of Funding: DBOF

Duration of the Project : 4 years

Research group: Department of Chemistry

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