MSCA PF 2026 hosting in Organic and Organometallic Synthesis

The group Organometallic compounds (ORGMET) includes two recognized professors with more than 25 years of research and teaching experience, including the supervision of 15 doctoral theses, plus two lecturers. The variety of techniques accessible includes fully operative synthesis labs with devices commonly used as rotavapors, vacuum pumps, gas hoods, hotplates, and instrumentation available in the department: IR and UV-visible spectrophotometers, NMR spectrometer (400 MHz), gas chromatography, HPLC, polarimeter and hydrogenator. We have a flow device consisting of a Rheodyne valve that introduces the diluted substrate into the system. The system is a PFR (plug flow reactor) in a forced air oven, with a supply line with a semi-preparative HPLC pump ASI Model 501.  

Our group works on two different topics: developing new synthetic methodology in flow reactors and synthetic studying the behaviour of substrates containing cyclopropenes with metal catalysts. 

Prof.J AVIER PÉREZ CASTELLS, with more than 25 years leading a research group in organic synthesis and organometallic chemistry, he has built a distinguished scientific trajectory that combines methodological innovation, structural biology and translational applications. His group has developed pioneering catalytic strategies—ranging from advanced Pauson–Khand methodologies and ruthenium‑catalysed transformations to photochemical radical additions and flow‑chemistry processes, enabling access to highly complex molecules with relevance in medicinal chemistry.

His work has been supported by seven competitive national research projects, long‑term industrial collaborations (notably with Lilly) and partnerships in flow chemistry (CSFlowChem).

He has made significant contributions to NMR structural biology, synthesizing carbohydrate and peptide derivatives, including paramagnetic lanthanide tags, through collaborations with leading CSIC centres and international groups such as Prof. Thomas Peters (University of Lübeck).

Research Project

The general aim of this project is to develop new catalytic methodologies for the efficient preparation of products with high structural complexity and high synthetic value from simple starting materials. The research plan includes five main areas of research.

 A) Exploration of the potential of cyclopropenes as precursors of vinylcarbenes in direct allylation processes of C−H bonds catalyzed by metals and efficient preparation of complex molecules; 

B) Hydrofunctionalisation of cyclopropenes catalyzed by transition metals: design and development of efficient stereoselective strategies to hydrofunctionalize substituted cyclopropenes through the formation of new carbon−heteroatom bonds, opening new avenues towards the synthesis of structurally varied cyclopropane derivatives;

C) Addition of radicals photochemically generated to cyclopropenes: development of photoredox methods for the generation of carbon-centered radicals from active species and their subsequent selective addition on cyclopropene rings, allowing the obtaining of polysubstituted cyclopropanes, spirocyclopropyls and fused cyclopropyl derivatives. 

Furthermore, the possibility of applying continuous flow methodologies will allow us to improve mixing efficiency and use extreme temperature conditions. 

Candidate requirements: Postdoctoral candidates of any nationality (max. 8 years after defense):

• A highly enthusiastic and independent PhD

• Organic synthesis experience and knowledge of spectroscopic techniques

• It is also advisable to have experience in flow chemistry

Application: An expression of interest shall be sent to jpercas@ceu.es (Attn.: Dr. Javier Pérez Castells), Your file should contain the following elements:

• A short CV (Max. 2 pages)

• A one-page research proposal

USP‑CEU is a competitive and supportive host institution for MSCA‑PF candidates, with a strong track record including 10 awarded fellowships, an exceptional 100/100 score, and two recent successes in the MSCA‑PF 2025 call. We offer personalised guidance throughout the proposal preparation process, as well as our International Talent Retention Programme, which provides successful MSCA Fellows with an additional 6–12‑month contract to support long‑term career development.