The University of Bologna offers one position for a highly motivated PhD student within the European doctoral network MonaLisa in the field of artificial molecular machines. MonaLisa, a pioneering European consortium of 20 partners consisting of high-profile universities, research institutions and companies located in 5 European countries, is at the forefront of artificial molecular machine research, setting the stage for breakthroughs in chemical synthesis, nanotechnology, medical treatment and smart materials. Building on the foundational work recognised by the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, MonaLisa aims to make groundbreaking discoveries in the design and functional control of molecular machines that will lead to first demonstrations with practical relevance.
At the heart of MonaLisa is an innovative training programme. Fifteen doctoral candidates will receive comprehensive mentoring and training by highly experienced Principal Investigators – including two Nobel Laureates – to become future leaders in the field. The programme is designed to foster not only academic excellence but also entrepreneurial skills, enabling these professionals to translate scientific breakthroughs into innovations and support evidence-based decision-making.
The PhD position of the present post (MonaLisa-DC06) is focused on the investigation of geared movements in mechanically interlocked systems.
Requirements
They are looking for an outstanding highly motivated candidate with a strong academic record holding a Master degree in Chemistry. Candidates will become part of an international multidisciplinary team and will have to integrate in other laboratories of the network (academic and industrial) for training periods. The candidate must therefore have excellent personal skills and be able to work in a team. Women are especially encouraged to apply.
Specific requirements:
An excellent theoretical background, experience in supramolecular chemistry / organic synthesis / spectroscopy / physical chemistry / molecular modeling / photochemistry, and good laboratory skills are prerequisite for this ambitious project.
Responsibilities
The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program in Nanosciences for Medicine and the Environment at the University of Bologna. The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months and the key tasks as a PhD student are:
- To manage and carry out through research projects
- To attend and participate in research and training activities within the MonaLisa network and local courses
- To write articles for scientific peer reviews
- To write a PhD thesis
- To teach and disseminate research in the scientific community (international conferences) and non-scientific community, by outreach and public engagement
- To be involved in departmental and group activities
The selected candidates will receive a 36-months, full-time employment contract as per Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) regulations for early-stage researchers, with a competitive salary, including a monthly living and mobility allowance and (if eligible) a monthly family allowance.
The gross salary consists of:
- Living allowance: 3300 eur/month
- Mobility allowance: 600 eur/month
- Family allowance, if applicable – depending on the family situation at the time when the contract is being concluded: 660 EUR/month.
The net salary may change in 2025 due to national taxation changes.
To comply with the MSCA-DN eligibility rules, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria:
- Nationality: Candidates may be of any nationality.
- Mobility: At the date of recruitment, the applicant must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.
- Qualifications and research experiences: the applicant must fulfil the requirements defined for Doctoral Candidates (DCs): DCs are researchers who at the date of recruitment have NOT yet been awarded the doctoral degree and are in the first 4 years (full time equivalent) of his/her research career. Full-time research experience is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree that formally entitled him/her to begin a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited or seconded, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is or was ever envisaged.
To be eligible for a PhD at the University of Bologna, the applicant is requested to possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree diploma (EQF level 6).
- Certificate with all the exams taken in the Bachelor’s degree programme (front and back scan) or a document issued by the University including all the exams taken.
- Master’s degree diploma (EQF level 7). If the official diploma is not available yet, a provisional one can be accepted. Otherwise, an official document specifying the expected date of graduation is necessary.
- Certificate with all the exams taken in the Master’s degree programme (front and back scan). If at the final year of programme, a certificate of the exams taken – as updated as possible – with the average of final or current grades.
Organization/Company – Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna
Research field – Chemistry
Research profile – First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country – Italy
Application Deadline – 9 Jun 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/Rome)
More information: Euraxess
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