Postdoc in Chemistry & Structural Analysis in Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS – Czech Republic

Summary

The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Prague, Czech Republic, is recruiting a full-time, temporary Postdoctoral Researcher in X-ray and NMR Crystallography of Polymers and Macrocyclic Compounds for its Department of Structural Analysis. The selected candidate will conduct independent research focused on metal complexes with DOTA- and DOTAM-based ligands, integrating NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and quantum-chemical computational modeling. Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field, possess hands-on technical experience in X-ray structural analysis and solid-state NMR, and demonstrate a track record of peer-reviewed publications along with an excellent command of English. Benefits include 5 weeks of annual leave, flexible working hours, meal allowances, and contributions to pension schemes or leisure cards. Application details and deadlines are not specified in the text.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Structural Analysis
Position Type	Postdoctoral Position
Discipline	Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Research Area	X-ray and NMR Crystallography of Polymers and Macrocyclic Compounds
Degree Required	PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Experience	Hands-on technical experience in synthesis and characterization of metal complexes with DOTA-/DOTAM-based macrocyclic ligands, X-ray structural analysis, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
Contract Duration	Temporary / Full-time (40 hours per week)
Language	English (at least B2 level)
Employer Address	Prague, Czech Republic

About the Project

The project focuses on independent research in X-ray and NMR crystallography of polymers and macrocyclic compounds, specifically investigating metal complexes containing DOTA- and DOTAM-based ligands. It aims to develop structure-NMR property correlations, apply advanced multidimensional solid-state NMR experiments at high magnetic fields with fast magic-angle spinning, utilize quantum-chemical calculations to simulate NMR spectra, and extend these NMR crystallography methodologies to evaluate structural organization and dynamics in polymer systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and structurally characterize metal complexes containing DOTA- and DOTAM-based macrocyclic ligands.
• Investigate relationships between molecular structure, coordination geometry, and NMR parameters.
• Develop and apply multidimensional solid-state NMR experiments at very high magnetic fields and fast magic-angle spinning.
• Apply computational methods and quantum-chemical calculations to interpret experimental data, simulate NMR spectra, and validate structural models.
• Extend NMR crystallography methodologies to polymer systems to study local solid-state organization and structure-dynamics relationships.
• Prepare high-impact scientific publications, present results at international conferences, and actively participate in research projects and student supervision.

Required Skills

• Hands-on technical experience in synthesis and characterization of metal complexes with DOTA-/DOTAM-based macrocyclic ligands.
• Experience in X-ray structural analysis, including diffraction data processing and crystal structure refinement.
• Experience in solid-state NMR spectroscopy, including fast MAS (>60 kHz) and ¹H inverse-detected experiments.
• Ability to integrate diffraction, spectroscopic, and computational data.
• Track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent command of English (at least B2 level).

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline, who possess practical experience in X-ray structural analysis, synthesis of metal complexes with macrocyclic ligands, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, alongside a strong track record of publication in international journals and proficiency in English.

Benefits

• Stimulating work environment at a research institute.
• 5 weeks of annual leave plus 3 sick days.
• Meal allowance.
• Flexible working hours.
• Subsidized language courses.
• Employee benefits including contributions to pension insurance/savings schemes or leisure benefit cards.

About the Employer

The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) is a research institution located in Prague. Its Department of Structural Analysis investigates the structure, molecular organization, and dynamics of polymers and novel materials by integrating NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and computational modeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

What is the working language requirement?

An excellent command of English of at least B2 level is required.

Where is the job located?

The position is located at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS in Prague, Czech Republic.

What benefits are included with the employment package?

Benefits include 5 weeks of annual leave, 3 sick days, meal allowance, flexible working hours, subsidized language courses, and contributions to pension insurance/savings schemes or leisure benefit cards.