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Research Assistant - DNA as a Chiral Environment for Asymmetric Catalysis

On-site in San Sebastián·Added yesterday (last checked 15 Oct)

DIPC

9 open roles

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Overview

Work mode
On-site, San Sebastián
English
Required
Education
University degree

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • Degree in Chemistry (preferably with a focus on Organic Chemistry), or in Physics or Engineering with a demonstrated track record in the synthesis and characterization of organic compounds
  • Familiarity with cycloaddition reactions, C-H activation and related topics
  • Experience with analytical and separation techniques: QCM-D, SPR, CD, HPLC, UPLC, NMR and IR
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Ability to work independently, proactively and creatively, with a high level of scientific rigour. The research takes place within a demanding European collaboration (FUNAMBULIST), so teamwork with international partners is an integral part of the position

Nice to have

  • Master in Polymer Chemistry

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

  • Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

The role

Research Assistant - DNA as a Chiral Environment for Asymmetric Catalysis (Open)

Pre-doctoral position

Position category: Research Assistant

What you'll do

The selected candidate will carry out original research and will be responsible for:

  • Developing and optimizing DNA-assisted catalytic processes for the synthesis of chiral organic molecules.
  • Establishing protocols for bioconjugating DNA to membrane surfaces
  • Characterization of DNA bioconjugation and DNA-ligand interactions by QCM-D and MP-SPR
  • Constructing a catalytic DNA-membrane reactor
  • Synthesizing and characterizing organic compounds, and determining enantiomeric excess by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques
  • Elucidating the factors that govern enantioselectivity in the catalytic systems studied
  • Applying the optimized methodology to targets of pharmaceutical relevance
  • Disseminating results (publications and conferences) and contributing to project management tasks within the European consortium

How you'll work

Duration: Temporary contract

  • Target start date: 2026/11/02

Additional information

Reference: 2026/47

Application deadline: 2026/10/22

For more info contact the supervisors:

Iván Rivilla de la Cruz
ivan.rivilla@dipc.org

Thomas Schäfer
thomas.schafer@ehu.eus

Selection process

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

  • CV of the candidate (60%)
  • Adequacy of the candidate's scientific background to the project (20%)
  • Reference letters (10%)
  • Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

Last resolutions

All resolutions +

Hiring process

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for the above mentioned position. This is a unique opportunity for highly motivated students recently graduated from the University in Physics or related fields to gain research experience in one of DIPC's high-profile research teams.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below.

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

About DIPC

The Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) is a research center in San Sebastián, Spain, focused on frontier physics and related fields. It conducts high-level research, hosts international visiting scientists, and operates one of Spain's most powerful supercomputers. DIPC also emphasizes science communication, organizing public events like the Passion for Knowledge festival and educational programs for schools.

Industry
Physics Research
Founded
2000
Employees
301–500
Headquarters
San Sebastián, Spain
In Spain
San Sebastián
Website
dipc.ehu.eus

Good to know if you are moving

  • Located in San Sebastián, a coastal city in the Basque Country known for its high quality of life and renowned gastronomy.
  • The center has a strong international community, with visiting researchers from around the world and a dynamic scientific program.
  • DIPC offers training programs and opportunities for university and postgraduate students, including summer internships.
  • The working language is English, facilitating integration for international researchers.
  • The center is affiliated with the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), providing access to academic resources and collaborations.

In their own words

About the company & team

DIPC is a research center whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was born from a strategic alliance of both public institutions and private companies. Since 2008 DIPC is a 'Basque Excellence Research Center' (BERC) recognized by the Basque Government's Department of Education. In 2019, DIPC was also recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Excellence Center by the Spanish Research Agency.

The group is led by Dr. Iván Rivilla de la Cruz (Ikerbasque Research Associate at DIPC). Further information: https://www.ikerbasque.net/es/ivan-rivilla DIPC is a research centre whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, and to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain), it originated from a strategic alliance of public institutions and private companies. DIPC has been a Basque Excellence Research Centre (BERC) since 2008 and was recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Centre of Excellence by the Spanish State Research Agency in 20

Additional information

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

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