Organic chemistry is central to modern life, from the medicines we use to treat diseases to the organic materials that power technologies such as OLED screens. The ability to create and manipulate molecules in new ways is key to driving innovation across these fields.
In this secondment, we aim to develop novel light-mediated chemical reactions capable of modifying the molecular framework of organic compounds. The concept of skeletal editing, which involves replacing or inserting a single atom within a molecule, represents one of the most exciting frontiers in modern organic chemistry and is inspired by gene-editing strategies in molecular biology.
Our goal is to combine visible-light photoredox catalysis with reactive intermediates capable of performing single-atom skeletal editing, focusing particularly on nitrogen insertion into aromatic rings. This strategy will enable the direct conversion of arenes into nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as pyridines and pyrrolidines, scaffold.
About us:
We are a young and dynamic research group focused on the development of photochemical and photoredox reactions for the discovery of new chemical reactivity. Our work centers on the design of novel reagents and the creation of new molecular building blocks relevant to medicinal chemistry.
Our laboratory is fully equipped for photochemistry, and the Institute provides full access to standard analytical techniques in organic chemistry, including NMR, GC–MS, GC–FID, HPLC–MS, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. In collaboration with other research groups at the University of Kiel, we also have access to ultrafast spectroscopy facilities.
The group currently includes Kevin (PhD student), Freyja (research assistant), and Niklas (Master’s student), under my supervision. I have extensive experience in synthetic method development, particularly in the areas of radical chemistry, photoredox catalysis, photochemistry, and mechanistic investigations. My background also includes training in biophysical and medicinal chemistry.
The overall goal of our laboratory is to develop useful and innovative tools in modern organic chemistry that expand the boundaries of molecular design and reactivity.
During the secondment, the secondee will have the opportunity to develop novel reactivity concepts and design new reagents through literature research and creative scientific thinking. The secondee will participate in group meetings focused on organic chemistry and photochemistry, gaining exposure to ongoing discussions and problem-solving approaches.In the laboratory, the secondee will learn how to set up photochemical and photoredox reactions using both visible and ultraviolet light, with a focus on a specific research project. Continuous interaction with Prof. Ruffoni and other group members will facilitate rapid learning, effective knowledge exchange, and the development of practical experimental skills. Moreover, the secondee will receive training in analytical techniques, ranging from fundamental methods such as NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to more advanced tools relevant to photochemical research, including UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, spectrofluorimetry, Stern–Volmer analysis, and ultrafast spectroscopy.
Supervisor will provide mentorship through regular discussions on ideas and project progress, weekly group meetings focused on organic chemistry, and hands-on training in the organic chemistry laboratory, the photochemistry laboratory, and in NMR analytical techniques.
You will need:
Basic organic chemistry laboratory techniques acquired during Bachelor’s or Master’s studies.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
