PhD project
Tailored chelators for selective recovery of critical metals
Tutor
Miloslav Polášek
Group
Miloslav Polášek Group
Coordination Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Abstract
Critical raw materials such as rare earth elements and other strategically important metals are indispensable for modern technologies, yet are increasingly difficult to secure in a sustainable manner. This Ph.D. project will focus on the rational design and synthesis of tailored chelating agents capable of selectively binding and recovering the corresponding metal ions from complex secondary and low-grade primary sources. Two complementary synthetic strategies will be explored: (i) expansion of the ClickZip chelation concept developed in the group, and (ii) development of new chelating systems based on templated assembly of modular building blocks. The project, centered on organic synthesis, will integrate coordination chemistry and advanced analytical techniques (LC-MS, ICP-MS) to create new chelator platforms for circular-economy and resource-recovery technologies.
Study program: Organic chemistry, or Inorganic chemistry
Universities
PhD students must be enrolled in a partner university and will be employed by the IOCB Prague at the same time (part-time or full time), which results in a competitive salary (a scholarship from the university + a salary from the IOCB). Each university has its own process, terms, and deadlines for PhD applications, which is separate from the IOCB recruitment process. You may discuss the details with the respective PI.
University partners
How to apply
Please return to the PhD projects at IOCB Prague – Call for Applications 2026 page and follow the instructions.