Postdoc Position: Advanced Photonics for Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy
Postdoc Position: Advanced Photonics for Ultrafast Chiral Spectroscopy
University of Basel
Basel, Switzerland
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.
Your position
In close collaboration with the Dr. Chris Brahms and the LUPO group at Heriot-Watt University, we are currently implementing a customized hollow-core fiber-based laser source for generating ultra-broadband femtosecond pulses with unique access to the far ultraviolet (UV) regime. Coupled to our approach to ultrafast chiral spectroscopy, we will capture the electronic and structural dynamics encoded in important UV-chromophores, such as nucleobases in DNA, amino acids and peptide bonds in proteins and small organic ligands in molecular systems. On this basis, the candidate will support the design and implementation of new ultrafast spectroscopy instruments and contribute to our ongoing research on chiral photochemistry. Together with a large network of collaborators, our team currently focuses on three system classes: chiral luminescent materials, chiral photoswitches and chiral metal nanoclusters. Going forward, the successful candidate is encouraged to develop their own research as part our program.
Your profile
We 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 experimental 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).
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.
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