The Department of Chemistry, in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science is currently seeking to recruit
TWO (2) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS, Synthetic Organic Chemistry
The fixed-term positions are starting February 1st, 2022 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and ending July 31st, 2023. There is also a possibility to continue the research at the University of Turku in the research group of Prof. Pekka Peljo after the postdoctoral period at Jyväskylä.
Project and task description
The decarbonisation of the energy sector will require massive investments in electrical energy storage and utilization. One of the most promising storage solutions involves the use of large-scale redox flow batteries (RFBs). However, the current technology remains too expensive, and suitable candidates for redox-active compounds that could be utilized have turned out to be challenging to find. Identifying suitable molecules can be compared to a successful programme in pharmaceutical development, where the preclinical candidate must also fulfil a wide range of criteria.
The FlowXAI project, funded by the Academy of Finland, intends to solve the problem by a using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to arrive at more realistic and more readily implementable synthetic routes. The project involves collaboration between the Jyväskylä team (chemical synthesis), Turku team (electrochemical characterization, see https://www.utu.fi/en/people/pekka-peljo) and Aalto team in Espoo (machine learning and XAI, for an example, see https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c03858). In brief, the synthetic accessibility of the proposed sets of molecules will be assessed by a combination of experimental reactions (training sets) that provide initial data for the ML and/or linear regression models. The models will then be used to assess the viability and scope of the chemical transformations and to design 2nd generation refined sets of molecules. This approach is expected to accelerate the discovery of successful molecules as the work will not get stuck on unproductive synthetic routes. However, the prediction of failures, or low yields, in chemical synthesis is a very challenging task, and it is not made any easier by the inherent publication bias in the field: most of the failed reactions are never published, and the chemical literature therefore paints a too optimistic picture of the chances of success.
The postdoctoral researchers participate in the design and experimental implementation of the project, from the initial training sets to the 2nd generation refined molecular sets and scaling up of the most desirable candidates for electrochemical testing. Successful implementation of the research would also mean that the results can also be applied in other settings, such catalyst design (see, for example, https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201509302), redox catalysis, and even natural product synthesis (in collaboration with other researchers of the group). The work will be carried out in close collaboration between the Turku and Aalto teams, which are led by Prof. Pekka Peljo and Prof. Kari Laasonen, respectively. Research visits to these teams by the postdoctoral researchers are also included in the project.
Qualifications we are looking for
The eligible candidate has or is about to obtain a PhD in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and demonstrates a documented track record of experience in chemical synthesis. Experience in any of the following fields: high-throughput screening, molecular design including catalyst design, total synthesis of natural products, or computational chemistry, is considered an asset. The candidate is expected to be able to carry out research and communicate the experimental research results in writing and verbally to a multidisciplinary research environment including collaborators. Precise working methods, team player attitude, and the ability to act independently are prerequisites for a postdoctoral researcher. The duties, language skills and qualification requirements of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?
At the University of Jyväskylä you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multi-science community where the welfare of each individual is important. Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish Lakeland, and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. At Jyväskylä we offer a great and lively university campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The annual salary range will be approximately 39,000 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used when the positions are first filled.
How to apply
The application documents that should be included in pdf format:
Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact details of 2 academics who can provide reference letters.
A numbered list of publications.
A brief description of research experience (1–2 pages) with clear indication on the motivation to apply for this position.
A copy of a PhD degree certificate.
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by January 16th, 2022. For further information, please contact Prof. Petri Pihko, petri.pihko@jyu.fi, phone +358 50 528 9132; website: https://jyu.fi/pihko
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
The main strength areas of the department are structural and synthetic chemistry, computational chemistry and spectroscopy, renewable natural resources and chemistry of living environment, and education in chemistry. Moreover, the department is a member of the Nanoscience Center of University of Jyväskylä, which promotes interdisciplinary research projects in nanoscience. The department has world-class laboratory infrastructure and large-scale computational resources.