Pre-doctoral position available

 

1 PhD-seeking researcher position (up to 48 months) is available at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) “Chemical Optosensors & Applied Photochemistry” Group (GSOLFA), funded by the FPI-2025 Program of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities research project “HolistiC innovAtions in bio-inspiREd materials for ensuriNG food safety and health (CAREING)” (PID2024-158561OB-I00) led by Profs. Elena Benito-Peña and Guillermo Orellana.

Profile of the Successful Candidate

The main tasks of the PhD candidate will include research on photo-responsive bioinspired materials, to be employed as synthetic recognition elements for food mycotoxins, and the development of novel photochemical sensors based on amplification strategies with nano/microparticles. The multidisciplinary project involves tasks spanning from Organic Chemistry to Nanotechnology, from Photochemistry to Analytical Chemistry.

The candidate must hold a university degree in Chemistry plus a master’s degree (300 ECTS overall), with emphasis on Organic Chemistry. Experience in either the synthesis of fluorophores, photochemistry, spectroscopy or nanomaterials will be valued. He/she must have been already admitted to a relevant PhD program at UCM before the official deadline for submission of the documents to the University.

A good level of English is essential. Skills must be demonstrated in an interview with the selected candidates.

Features of the position

The successful candidate will join an internationally renowned research team at UCM Faculty of Chemistry, with 25+ years of experience in advanced optical chemical sensors and biosensors (see https://www.gsolfa.info/en/home/). The full-time contract includes the Spanish NHS coverage plus additional funding for the tuition fees and a secondment abroad.

Contact

The interested candidates must submit by e-mail their CV, together with a motivation letter and the names of 2 former mentors that may provide references of him/her, before NOVEMBER 12, 2025 to:

Prof. Ana B. Descalzo and Prof. Elena Benito Peña
Dpto. Química Orgánica and Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas
Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid (Spain)

e-mail: abdescal@ucm.es (with cc to elenabp@ucm.es)

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