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MSCA COFUND PhD Fellowship in Organic Reactions under Mechanochemical Activation

Deadline : August 31, 2025
Tallinn University of Technology invites applications for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND PhD fellowship in mechanochemical organic synthesis. The project explores sustainable chemistry methods by studying and controlling reactivity in condensed matter, with two research topic options.

Join the INNOCHEMBIO Doctoral Programme at TalTech and contribute to sustainable chemistry innovation in Europe.

About the Programme

The INNOCHEMBIO Doctoral Programme at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND programme, is seeking outstanding candidates for a PhD position in Organic Reactions under Mechanochemical Activation.

This programme is dedicated to training future leaders in sustainable chemistry and biotechnology, supporting Europe’s transition to greener, more environmentally responsible technologies. INNOCHEMBIO will host 15 PhD fellows across chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, offering an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Research Focus

Mechanochemistry is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional organic synthesis by reducing solvent use, lowering energy consumption, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The PhD candidate will choose between:

  1. Mechanistic Understanding of Mechanochemical Reactions – investigating reactivity at solid interfaces and within assisting liquids during mechanical activation.

  2. Dynamic Covalent Chemistry & Supramolecular Systems – exploring enantioselective catalysis and complex building block synthesis through non-covalent interactions.

Research will take place at TalTech’s Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology and will include access to advanced analytical facilities (NMR, HPLC, MS, IR, UV, SC-XRD, PXRD, etc.).

International Collaboration

The position includes a 6–16 month secondment with co-supervisor Prof. Tomislav Friščić at the University of Birmingham (UK) and an industry internship at Novartis in Basel, Switzerland.

Supervisory Team

  • Prof. Dr. Riina Aav – Main Supervisor, TalTech

  • Prof. Tomislav Friščić – Co-Supervisor, University of Birmingham, UK

  • Dr. Dzmitry Kananovich – TalTech

Candidate Requirements

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in organic chemistry or related field

  • Strong background in organic synthesis and NMR spectroscopy

  • Excellent written and spoken English

  • Compliance with MSCA mobility rules (no residency in Estonia >12 months in last 3 years)

  • Not already holding a PhD

  • Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively in an international team

Employment Conditions

  • Contract: Full-time (40h/week), 4-year fixed term

  • Salary: €2,500/month minimum gross + mobility allowance + optional family allowance

  • Benefits: Tuition coverage, research funding, travel/conference support, social and medical benefits

  • Status: Early-Stage Researcher (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the TalTech official application platform. Required documents include:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • 1-page motivation letter

  • Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts

  • Valid photo ID scan

  • 2 reference letters

  • Eligibility statement

Deadline: August 31, 2025 (23:59 Europe/Zurich)

For full application details and document templates, visit the INNOCHEMBIO Application Guide.

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