Research Assistant in Chemistry – PhD Student

Offer Description

The University of Bucharest is launching a competition for the position of Research Assistant in Chemistry – PhD Student, COR code 211307, within the project:

Chemo-catalytic paradigms in multiphase waste valorization ‒ Centre of Excellence for Circular Chemistry and Economy ChemBioCatCirEcon

Project code: PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0053

Contract no.: 5CoEx/2026

Where to apply

E-mail: vasile.parvulescu@chimie.unibuc.ro

Requirements

• Research Field: Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

PhD student in the field of Chemistry.

Specific Requirements

• University degree in Chemistry;
• PhD student in the field of Chemistry;
• Specialized knowledge in Chemistry, particularly in the fields of catalytic materials and catalysis;
• Knowledge of methods for the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of materials;
• Knowledge of methods for evaluating catalytic activity;
• Knowledge of chromatographic methods for the analysis of reaction products;
• Practical laboratory skills and the ability to carry out experimental activities;
• Ability to process and interpret experimental results;
• Proficiency in English and the ability to use specialized scientific literature;
• Ability to work in a team and to conduct research activities independently.

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Good

Research Field: Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis

Additional Information

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a high-level research environment at the University of Bucharest, within an interdisciplinary project focused on chemistry, catalysis, and circular economy.
• Access to modern laboratory infrastructure and research facilities, supporting hands-on experience with advanced synthesis, characterization, and analytical techniques.
• Scientific mentoring and professional development through collaboration with experienced researchers and academic staff.
• Opportunities for scientific dissemination, including participation in conferences, workshops, and preparation of scientific publications, subject to project provisions.
• Development of specialized expertise in catalysis and sustainable chemistry, providing valuable research experience for an academic or R&D career.

The position will be funded within the framework of the project “Chemocatalytic Paradigms for the Valorization of Multiphase Waste – Center of Excellence for Chemistry and Circular Economy”, project code PN-IV-P6-6.1-CoEx-2024-0053, Contract No. 5CoEx/2026.

Salary, duration of employment, working conditions, and other contractual benefits will be provided in accordance with the applicable project budget, Romanian legislation and the regulations of the University of Bucharest, Romania.

Eligibility criteria

• A university degree in Chemistry or a closely related field;
• Currently enrolled as a PhD student in Chemistry at a university in Romania;
• Relevant academic and/or research experience in chemistry, catalysis, or catalytic materials;
• Basic knowledge of material synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and catalytic activity evaluation;
• Ability to perform laboratory and experimental research activities;
• Good command of English, sufficient for understanding scientific literature and communicating research results;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team;
• Willingness to carry out research activities in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the project.

Selection process

Selection Examinations:

-Evaluation of the application files;

-Written examination;

-Interview. The interview will assess the candidate’s technical and scientific knowledge and competencies relevant to the duties of the position, in accordance with the announced examination topics. It will also assess the candidate’s ability to carry out experimental activities involving the preparation, characterization, and testing of catalytic materials, as well as chromatographic analysis of reaction products.

Additional comments

Examination Venue: Faculty of Chemistry, 90 Panduri Road, Bucharest, Romania.

Examination Topics:

1. Technical and Scientific Evaluation of Catalytic Materials and Processes

• General principles of heterogeneous catalysis;
• Relationship between the physicochemical properties of catalysts and catalytic activity/selectivity;
• Criteria for evaluating catalyst performance.

1. Preparation of Catalytic Materials

• Methods for the synthesis and preparation of catalytic materials;
• Influence of synthesis parameters on material properties;
• Methods for catalyst preparation, drying, calcination, and activation.

1. Physicochemical Characterization of Catalytic Materials

• Principles and applications of the main characterization methods;
• Determination of structure, composition, morphology, and surface properties;
• Interpretation of experimental results.

1. Testing and Evaluation of Catalytic Activity

• Principles of catalyst testing;
• Reaction parameters and evaluation of conversion, selectivity, and yield;
• Processing and interpretation of experimental results;
• Evaluation of catalyst stability and reproducibility.

1. Chromatographic Analysis of Reaction Products

• General principles of chromatography;
• Gas chromatography (GC) and/or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), depending on the specific requirements of the project;
• Identification and quantification of reaction products;
• Interpretation of chromatograms and processing of analytical data.

Bibliography:

1. G. Palmisano, S. Al Jitan, C. Garlisi, Heterogeneous Catalysis: Fundamentals, Engineering and Characterizations, Elsevier, 2022.
2. J. M. Thomas, W. J. Thomas, Principles and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Wiley-VCH, 2nd Edition, 2015.
3. G. Ertl, H. Knözinger, J. Weitkamp (eds.), Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Wiley-VCH.
4. F. Rouquerol, J. Rouquerol, K. Sing, P. Llewellyn, G. Maurin, Adsorption by Powders and Porous Solids: Principles, Methodology and Applications, Academic Press, 2nd Edition, 2014.
5. D. A. Skoog, F. J. Holler, S. R. Crouch, Principles of Instrumental Analysis, Cengage Learning, 7th Edition, 2017.
6. IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology (Gold Book), current edition.

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: University of Bucharest
• Country: Romania
• State/Province: Bucharest
• City: Bucharest
• Postal Code: 050663
• Street: Sos. Panduri no 90, sector 5

Contact

• State/Province: Romania
• City: Bucharest
• Website: http://www.unibuc.ro/n/cercetare/chimie/cc-cccpc-ro/
• Street: b-dul Regina Elisabeta 4-12
• Postal Code: 030016
• E-Mail: vasile.parvulescu@chimie.unibuc.ro