Description of the host institution and research group
As one of the leading government institutions, YTU is situated in Istanbul spread over two great historical campuses. Being one of the most well-known universities in Turkey, it is conducive to the achievement of the goal of the development and welfare of society. Inheriting a century-old outstanding understanding of science, technology, and culture, YTU has been a keen pioneer of academic research, technology, and the arts, with the quality of being the 3rd oldest university in Turkey with its…
roots dating back to 1911. In line with the 21st century entrepreneur university model while making contributions to Research and Development activities in our country, YTU commenced operations in certain technological development zones and founded Yildiz Technopark in 2003.
Project description
The aim of this project is to synthesize new heterocyclic compounds that may exhibit biological activity. We are looking for postdoctoral researchers who are successful in organic synthesis and, preferably, have a Ph.D. in this field. The reactions of particular interest include triazole synthesis, ring-opening reactions, metal-catalyzed reactions, aza-oxyallyl cations, Heck reactions, organozinc reactions, electrophilic amination. The candidate is expected to be proficient in synthesis, knowledgeable in literature research, experienced in working with inert atmospheres, and familiar with catalyst chemistry. Additionally, the candidate should be able to interpret 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FTIR, and MS spectra. The new heterocyclic derivatives obtained through the aforementioned reactions will be sent for bioactivity testing in various collaborations.
MSCA postdoctoral fellowship
Postdoctoral fellowship (PF) is the new initiative of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (formerly individual fellowship) from the European Commission. The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.
There are 2 subtypes: European Postdoctoral Fellowships (12 to 24 months of duration in Europe); and Global Postdoctoral Fellowships (12 to 24 months outside Europe –outgoing phase- plus 12 months in Europe - returning stage).
Benefits
EU supports for the recruited researcher in the form of
- A living allowance
- A mobility allowance
- If applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances
- Research, training and networking activities
- Management and indirect costs
YTU supports the recruited researcher with
- Personalised support in research proposal writing and application
- State of the art research infrastructure
- Accommodation on Davutpasa Campus
- Should have a PhD degree. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply
- Must have a maximum of eight years’ experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree, years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe
- Must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Turkey for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the above-mentioned deadline
- For European Postdoctoral Fellowships, candidates with any nationality are eligible
How to apply
If you are interested in the issues mentioned in the project description, please send your application to Assoc. Prof. Ömer Tahir Günkara (gunkara@yildiz.edu.tr), including your CV, letter of motivation and a short research proposal (max. 3 pages) until 31 July 2026. Please write “MSCA-PF application for organic chemistry” as the subject of the email. The deadline for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship application is 09 September 2026.