Postdoc - Resonant Infrared Control of Electrochemical Reactions

Postdoc - Resonant Infrared Control of Electrochemical Reactions

Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society

Berlin, Germany

The Department of Physical Chemistry focusses on the dynamics of elementary processes in solids and at surfaces, in particular, ultrafast dynamics of electronic and lattice excitations, electron-phonon coupling, interfacial charge transfer, spin dynamics, as well as spectro-microscopy and light-matter interaction at the nanoscale. Within the Department of Physical Chemistry, the Lattice Dynamics group, is currently looking to hire a PostDoc (m/f/d) to work on Resonant Infrared Control of Electrochemical Reactions

This new project is a collaboration between our group and the Interface Science Department of the FHI, and combines the expertise in nonlinear infrared spectroscopy and electrochemistry, respectively, in order to control electrochemical reactions with strong, narrow-band infrared excitation. We will employ the in-house infrared free-electron laser (FHI-FEL) to selectively excite molecular species at electrochemical interfaces in operando, in order to steer reaction rates and selectivity. To differentiate resonant excitation from non-resonant heating effects, we will combine pulsed FEL excitation with electrochemical potential modulation.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science or related fields, with a strong background in experimental optics. A basic understanding of electrochemistry, as well as solid state physics and light matter interaction would be highly beneficial. Additionally, applicants should have experimental experience in one or more of these areas:

• Nonlinear spectroscopy;
• Pump-probe spectroscopy;
• THz spectroscopy;
• Optical microscopy.

Moreover, candidates are expected to have

• Collaborative spirit and ability to work in an international research environment;
• Affinity for performing complex experiments with ambitious goals, with a high drive to solve scientific and practical/instrumental challenges.