Postdoc Position: Advanced photonics for ultrafast chiral spectroscopy in the deep ultravioletThe Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory at University of Basel, led by Prof. Malte Oppermann, studies the molecular transformations that drive biological and chemical processes on the nanoscale. To achieve this, our interdisciplinary research team develops innovative time-resolved spectroscopic tools that use polarization-controlled laser pulses to capture both electronic and structural changes in chiral molecular systems on their natural time scales. We are looking for a creative and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in ultrafast spectroscopy to join our team.Laboratory website: https://oppermann.chemie.unibas.ch/en/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 environment of most (bio-)chemical processes is especially challenging on time scales faster than the millisecond regime (10-3 seconds). Our team has recently developed a new approach to achieve this: we use broadband circularly polarized laser pulses to capture changes in the structural symmetry of molecules, called chirality, to resolve their structural 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 short lived electronic excited states for controlling photochemical processes [3]. To expand the scope of this research, we are now implementing an advanced ultrafast chiral spectroscopy platform at University of Basel, making use of the latest developments in ultrafast 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/s41557-022-00933-0Your positionFunded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and a Royal Society International Exchange Grant, the project focuses on the implementation of a new ultrafast chiral spectroscopy instrument that will expand the group's measurement capabilities to the far ultraviolet spectral regime. In close collaboration with Dr. Chris Brahms and his colleagues at Heriot-Watt University, the candidate will take a leading role in the development and construction of state-of-the-art ultrafast spectroscopy set ups based on a customized hollow-core fiber laser pulse source for generating ultra-broadband deep ultraviolet laser pulses. The project will be supported by two doctoral students in Basel and will provide unprecedented access to the electronic and structural dynamics encoded in important ultraviolet chromophores, such as nucleobases in DNA, amino acids and peptide bonds in proteins and small organic ligands in molecular systems.The position is available immediately, but the starting date is flexible. The initial duration of the position is 2 years.Your profileWe are looking for a highly motivated and pro-active candidate with a Ph.D. in physics or chemistry and research experience in ultrafast spectroscopy. This position is especially suitable for a candidate with a strong interest in method development and interdisciplinary research at the intersection between physics and chemistry. Our research is highly collaborative, so we strive for an inclusive, supportive, and enthusiastic work environment that values a team with diverse interests and personal backgrounds (for further details, please see the Diversity & Inclusion Principles of University of Basel).For this position, skills and experience in the following areas would be especially valuable assets:Hands-on experience in constructing and maintaining ultrafast laser spectroscopy set upsProven research experience in photochemistry or -physics, molecular dynamics, or material scienceHardware control via LabView, Matlab, Python or similarData analysis with common programming languages such as Matlab or PythonScientific writingResearch project management and student supervisionWe offer youA highly interdisciplinary and collaborative work environment in a young research groupState-of-the art ultrafast spectroscopy equipment and research infrastructureCoaching and support for career developmentExcellent salary, benefits and working conditions following Swiss university standardsBasel offers a truly international environment, bordering with France and Germany, a wide range of cultural activities and an exceptional quality of life
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