PhotoReAct is a EU funded (project no. 956324) innovative training network (ITN) for new Early Stage Researchers (i.e. who have not yet obtained their PhD) aiming to make important contributions to the applicability and scalability of photocatalytic processes through the design of novel photocatalysts, new photocatalytic methodologies, cutting-edge technological solutions to enable automation and scalability, and immediate industrial implementation. 

The use of visible light energy to induce chemical transformations constitutes a chemoselective and green activation mode of organic molecules. However, implementation of this energy source in organic synthetic methodologies and in the industrial production of fine chemicals has been challenging. The PhotoReAct Innovative Training Network establishes a training network with 10 beneficiaries from academia and 4 beneficiaries from industry to tackle the challenges associated with photocatalysis in a coherent and comprehensive fashion. In total 15 Early Stage Researchers will be trained within the PhotoReAct network. The network will provide them with opportunities to undertake research with the aim to overcome the current limitations towards the applicability and scalability of photochemical transformations. This will be achieved through rational design of novel photocatalysts, the development of new photocatalytic methodologies, improved reactor technology and direct industrial implementation of photocatalytic transformations. Furthermore, the ESRs will be trained in the PhotoReAct graduate school, acquiring scientific, personal and soft skills. All ESRs will perform three secondments, of which at least one is intersectoral and carried out with an industrial partner and a second is international. Consequently, the ESRs will have improved career prospects and a higher employability. Due to the high degree of industrial participation, the PhotoReAct network will provide an innovation-friendly environment where scientific results can grow and become products or services that will benefit European economies. 

Application including relevant documents (CV, motivation letter, names of referees, etc.) to be sent to the Eli Zysman-Colman ezc@st-andrews.ac.uk 

The allowances which accompany these positions are as per Page 97 of the H2020 Work Programme: https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2018-2020/main/h2020-wp1820-msca_en.pdf 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 956324. For further information on Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions please visit: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/marie-sklodowska-curie-actions