<Research Focus>

Polymer Photocatalysts for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy. Our lab develops next-generation polymer photocatalysts with high energy efficiency and durability. We aim to contribute to sustainble chemistry and solar energy conversion by integrating polymer chemistry and photocatalytic systems.

<Research Approach>

Our work centers on a nanoscale polymeric platform combining:

• Conjugated polymer networks with tunable photophysical and electrochemical properties

• Polymeric dispersants for enhanced dispersion, energy-efficiency, stability, and recyclability

This approach enables us to create scalable and high-performance catalysts for sustainable chemistry and solar energy conversion

<Key Research Directions>

• Design strategies for efficient and durable polymer photocatalysts

• Development of sustainable synthetic methods for polymer photocatalysts

• Microenvironment engineering to enhance photocatalytic performance

• Artificial photosynthesis using polymer–bio hybrid systems

• Dual polymer photocatalyst systems for efficient solar-to-fuel conversion

<Selected Publications>

1. Advanced Materials (2024)
   Size-Dependent Photocatalytic Reactivity of Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanoparticles
   https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202404054

2. ACS Nano (2022)
   Hairy Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanoparticles Facilitate Heterogeneous Photoredox Catalysis with Solvent-Specific Dispersibility
   https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c07156

3. JACS (2021)
   Exponential Amplification Using Photoredox Autocatalysis
   https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.1c04236

<Who We’re Looking For>

We welcome highly motivated students with interests in:

• Polymer photocatalysts

• Sustainable chemistry and energy conversion

📌Backgrounds in chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, or related fields are preferred.

<Support & Benefits>

• Full tuition waiver

• Monthly stipend

  • Master’s: 850,000 KRW

  • Ph.D.: 1,250,000 KRW

• Performance-based bonuses

• On-campus housing available (fee required)

• Opportunities for domestic and international conferences
  
  

<How to Apply>

Please email the following documents:

• CV

• Statement of purpose

• Transcript

📧 seunghyeonkim@dgist.ac.kr

<Application Schedule>

We are currently recruiting for:

• Spring 2027 admission

Application details: https://www.dgist.ac.kr/gadm/index.do

DGIST InnoCORE E-MatAX is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our research team. The successful candidate will work on polymer photocatalyst synthesis and reaction development for sustainable chemistry and energy production, while contributing to the development of AI tools that accelerate scale-up of the photocatalytic applications.

This position is intended for researchers who are interested in bridging experimental chemistry with emerging AI-driven approaches for reaction and process development. The fellow will be involved in the design and synthesis of polymer photocatalysts, the development and optimization of photocatalytic reactions, and the generation of high-quality experimental data that can support AI-assisted scale-up strategies.

The position offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment within DGIST InnoCORE E-MatAX, with opportunities to engage in collaborative research across institutions and research areas.

<What we offer>

• KRW 90M annual funding (including institutional overheads)

• Multi-mentor guidance

• Cross-institutional research collaboration

• Opportunities for training in AI-assisted research

<Eligibility>

• Ph.D. in the science field within 5 years

Researchers with a strong background in polymer synthesis, photocatalysis, reaction development, or related areas are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send your CV and your available start date (the earlier, the better) to:

seunghyeonkim@dgist.ac.kr