PhD Student in Operando Characterisation of Catalysts for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients / PhD Student in Operando Characterisation of Catalysts for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Your Tasks

Design and utilize in situ/operando reactors, including microfluidic reactors, for multi-technique characterization of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in the liquid phase.

Explore the phenomena of micelle formation, viscosity effects, and the ligation of metal complexes on catalytic performance in the production of active ingredients within the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

Establish structure-function relationships using both laboratory and synchrotron-based time-resolved spectroscopies, complemented by theoretical simulations.

Develop automated flow and microfluidic setups for real-time reaction optimization and continuous production.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Ability to perform experimental and/or theoretical work, seek innovative solutions, and work independently.
• Willingness to engage in the field of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis.
• Interest in spectroscopic techniques and the physical principles behind them.
• Interest in scientific programming using Python.
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to integrate into interdisciplinary research teams.

We Offer

Our institution fosters an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration environment. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training along with ample opportunities for personal development, supported by a strong vocational training culture. We are committed to helping you balance work with family life and your personal interests through our modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure.

You will be enrolled at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information, please contact Dr. Aram Bugaev via email at aram.bugaev@psi.ch.

Paul Scherrer Institute,
Human Resources Management,
Serdal Varol,
5232 Villigen PSI,
Switzerland