Join the Lee Laboratory at KAIST, Korea, for fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions in catalysis, stereoselective synthesis, and organometallic chemistry. Apply now and shape the future of chemical research!
🚀 Fully Funded PhD & Postdoctoral Positions in Catalysis and Stereoselective Synthesis at KAIST, South Korea – 2025 Openings
Are you passionate about cutting-edge research in organic chemistry, catalysis, and stereoselective synthesis? The LEE Laboratory at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is now accepting applications for fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions in the fields of catalysis, stereoselective synthesis, and organometallic chemistry.
Located in the vibrant scientific hub of Daejeon, South Korea, the Lee Lab is at the forefront of designing new catalytic platforms and enabling transformative chemical processes. If you are driven by scientific curiosity and aspire to work in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment, we encourage you to apply!
🧪 About the LEE Laboratory – Catalysis & Stereoselective Chemical Synthesis
The LEE Laboratory specializes in the development of novel catalytic strategies that address major challenges in organic synthesis, stereoselective catalysis, and organometallic chemistry. With an emphasis on both practical synthetic applications and mechanistic understanding, the lab is making significant contributions to modern chemical synthesis.
Core Values:
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Scientific curiosity and innovation
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Collaboration, growth, and mentorship
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Respect, diversity, and a supportive research environment
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A balance of rigor and fun in the lab
🧑🔬 Open Positions at a Glance
| Position Type | Fields of Study | Funding | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Student | Catalysis, Organic Synthesis, Organometallic Chemistry | Fully Funded | KAIST, Daejeon, South Korea | Rolling (Apply ASAP) |
| Postdoctoral Fellow | Catalysis, Asymmetric Synthesis, Mechanistic Chemistry | Fully Funded | KAIST, Daejeon, South Korea | Rolling (Apply ASAP) |
🔬 Research Areas & Scientific Focus
The lab’s research is organized around three strategic pillars and various specialized programs that tackle some of the most compelling challenges in modern chemistry.
1. Design of Innovative Catalytic Platforms
The team focuses on designing novel catalytic systems that facilitate new reactivity paradigms in both organic and organometallic transformations. These platforms aim to:
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Expand stereochemical and structural diversity
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Improve functional group tolerance
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Enhance synthetic accessibility and sustainability
2. Discovery and Optimization of Stereoselective Reactions
A major part of the lab’s work involves discovering new reactions and refining them into practical, scalable synthetic methodologies. This includes:
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Development of enantioselective catalytic processes
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Application of dual or multi-catalytic systems
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Transformations that resolve longstanding selectivity and efficiency challenges
3. Mechanistic Investigations
The Lee Lab is deeply committed to mechanistic exploration of catalytic pathways, believing that a foundational understanding is essential for scientific progress. The lab uses:
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Kinetic and spectroscopic studies
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Computational modeling
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Isolation of catalytic intermediates
This mechanistically driven approach informs every stage of catalyst design and reaction development.
🔎 Key Research Themes
The group’s main programs include:
✅ Program 1: Chiral Multi-Catalytic Systems
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Combines different catalytic modes to achieve challenging transformations
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Targets reactions with high stereocontrol and broad substrate scope
✅ Program 2: Molecular Catalyst Design
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Develops novel ligand scaffolds and transition metal complexes
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Focuses on fine-tuning the electronic and steric environments
✅ Program 3: Mechanism-Guided Synthesis
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Leverages real-time mechanistic data to inform synthetic strategy
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Enables predictive control over reaction pathways and selectivity
🧬 What You’ll Gain
Joining the Lee Laboratory offers more than just a position—it’s a launchpad for your research career.
🔹 For PhD Students:
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Full tuition waiver and stipend
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Hands-on experience in organic and organometallic chemistry
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Training in NMR, X-ray crystallography, GC-MS, HPLC, and computational tools
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Opportunities to attend and present at international conferences
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Collaboration with top researchers and institutions globally
🔹 For Postdocs:
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Competitive salary and benefits
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Autonomy to lead research projects
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Access to world-class instrumentation and facilities
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Publication in high-impact journals
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Mentorship in academic career development and grant writing
📝 Application Process
Interested candidates should send an email with the following details:
To: sarahyunmi@kaist.ac.kr
Subject: Application for PhD/Postdoc Position – [Your Name]
📄 Required Documents:
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Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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A brief cover letter highlighting research interests
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Indicate whether you are applying for a PhD or Postdoc role
After initial screening, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further documentation, including:
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Letters of recommendation
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Academic transcripts (for PhD applicants)
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Research summary or publication list (for Postdocs)
📍 Lab Location & Contact
LEE Laboratory of Catalysis & Stereoselective Chemical Synthesis
KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
📌 Address: (34141) #4104 (E6-4), Daehak-ro 291, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
📞 Office: +82-42-350-2842 | Lab: +82-42-350-2882
🌐 Website: http://cataleesis.kaist.ac.kr
📧 Email: sarahyunmi@kaist.ac.kr
🌏 Why Choose KAIST?
KAIST is a world-renowned research university consistently ranked among the top global institutions for science and engineering. Located in Daejeon, the science and technology capital of South Korea, KAIST offers:
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An international research environment
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State-of-the-art facilities and advanced labs
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Opportunities to collaborate with global academic and industry partners
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A vibrant student community with events, seminars, and cultural programs
KAIST attracts scholars from over 90 countries and is known for its rigorous training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research.
📌 💬 If you’re looking to take your research to the next level in a collaborative, innovative, and high-impact laboratory, this is your opportunity. Whether you’re an aspiring PhD student or an experienced postdoc, the Lee Laboratory at KAIST offers the tools, mentorship, and environment to help you thrive.
Apply today and join us in shaping the future of catalysis and chemical synthesis.
