TOBIAS SCHNITZER – GROUP LEADER
What brought me here?
I was born and raised in central Germany, became passionate about organic chemistry during my studies, and fell in love with catalysts and peptides in my PhD. During my postdoc, I became fascinated of exploring complexity in chemical systems. Currently, I enjoy sharing my excitement of science with others and develop target-selective catalysts to shape a more sustainable future.
What makes me happy?
Having fun with friends at long board game nights. Enjoying a good opera. Exploring the flavors of a glass of whisky. Drawing a perfect benzene ring.
What is my current smartphone background? Why?
A photo of my little son, because it reminds me of the really important things in life.
Since 2023
Research Group Leader
University of Freiburg, Germany
Research on "Target-selective Catalysis"
2020 – 2022
Postdoctoral Researcher & Lecturer for Organic Chemistry
Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
Research with Prof. E. W. Meijer "Construction of Complex Molecular Systems with Emerging Complexity"
2015 – 2019
Doctor of Science
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Thesis with Prof. H. Wennemers "Proline-rich Peptides – From Catalysts to Metal Organic Frameworks"
2012 – 2014
Master of Science
University of Heidelberg, Germany
Thesis with Prof. A. S. K. Hashmi "Gold-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzodipyrroles with Applications in Organic Electronics"
2009 – 2012
Bachelor of Science
University of Heidelberg, Germany
Thesis with Prof. G. Helmchen "Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (–)-Indolizidine 209D"
2000 – 2009
Abitur
Ludwig-Georgs-Gymnasium, Darmstadt, Germany
Awards
2023
Liebig group leader fellowship of the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie
2020
Young Talent Award 2020 of the Max-Bergmann-Kreis for an excellent PhD thesis
Finalist of the Reaxys PhD Prize 2020
ETH Medal of the ETH Zürich for excellent PhD thesis
Postdoc.Mobility scholarship of the Swiss National Science Foundation
2019
Travel Award of the American Peptide Society
2018
SCNAT Chemistry Travel Award
2015
Kekulé PhD scholarship of the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie
Price of the Dr.-Sophie-von-Bernthsen-Fond for excellent achievements in the chemistry master studies
2013
Erasmus+ Placement travel scholarship (Stay at Stockholm University)
2012
Deutschlandstipendium awarded by Clariant AG