Postdoc Position: Advanced photonics for ultrafast chiral spectroscopy
Laboratory website: https://oppermann.chemie.unibas.ch/en/
Project background
To capture molecular dynamics in real-time we need experimental techniques that offer both high structural and fast time resolution. However, achieving this in the native solution phase of most (bio-)chemical processes remains a formidable experimental challenge - especially on the fastest time scales of molecular motion. To address this, our team has developed a new spectroscopic approach. We use broadband circularly polarized laser pulses to capture changes in the structural symmetry of molecules, called chirality, to resolve the enconded conformational dynamics with femtosecond time resolution [1]. This has opened the path to resolve the structural dynamics of (bio-)molecular systems [2] and to study the chirality of electronic excited states for controlling photochemical processes [3]. To expand the scope of our research, we are now implementing a new ultrafast chiral spectroscopy platform at University of Basel, making use of the latest developments in laser and photonic technology.
[1] M. Oppermann, B. Bauer, T. Rossi, F. Zinna, J. Helbing, J. Lacour, and M. Chergui, Optica 6, 1, 56-60 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.6.000056
[2] M. Oppermann, J. Spekowius, B. Bauer, R. Pfister, M. Chergui, and J. Helbing, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 10, 11, 2700-2705 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b01253
[3] M. Oppermann, F. Zinna, J. Lacour, and M. Chergui, Nat. Chem. 14, 739-745 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-022-00933-0
The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and a Royal Society International Exchange Grant. The initial duration of the position is 3 years and is available immediately, while the starting date is flexible. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
- Skills and experience in any of the following areas would be especially valuable:
- Hands-on experience in ultrafast laser spectroscopy
- Research experience in photochemistry or -physics
- Hardware control via LabView, Matlab, Python or similar
- Data analysis with common programming languages such as Matlab or Python
- Research project management and student supervision
- A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative work environment in a young research group
- State-of-the art ultrafast spectroscopy equipment and research infrastructure
- Coaching and support for personal career development
- Excellent salary, benefits and working conditions following Swiss university standards
- Basel offers a truly international environment, bordering with France and Germany, a wide range of cultural activities and an exceptional quality of life
Please send your application to our group's email address Write an email as a single pdf file containing the following items:
- A motivation letter that describes your suitability for the position (maximum one A4 page)
- Your curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
- Scanned transcripts of your university transcripts and diplomas including grades
- The names and contact details of three referees that can recommend you
The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
4000 Basel
Adresse
Universität Basel