1. General Description (research group)

The current research focus of the ultrafast and nonlinear spectroscopy group in the department of physical chemistry is on understanding the structure and dynamics of interfaces with a focus on water. Amongst others, the properties of water adjacent to hard and soft interfaces are relevant for applications in electrochemistry, folding of macromolecules, and catalysis. Besides our main research focus on water at interfaces, we are also interested in the structure, orientation and dynamics of molecules like surfactants, peptides, and organic acids. In order to study selectively interfacial molecules, we use the nonlinear optical technique sum frequency generation spectroscopy. In the recent years, the technique developed into phase, time, and multidimensional spectroscopy.

We now extend our toolbox and research focus into bulk dynamics. Therefore, we are constructing a transient absorption setup to monitor electronic transitions by pumping the system from UV to infrared and detecting in the visible range.

Besides, a setup able to perform 2D-IR and transient IR experiments is currently build to study bulk reaction and relaxation dynamics by monitoring molecular vibrations. Using these state-of-the-art methods, the research group is devoted to understanding the molecular scale structure, relaxation dynamics, and reactivity of soft matter at interfaces and in bulk.

The group is looking for a PostDoc to develop and perform laser spectroscopy experiments to study structure and dynamics with a sub-picosecond time resolution of soft matter with a focus on bulk processes. 

2. Job Description for the Moritz Schlick position

Participation in research in the field of structure and dynamics of soft matter using time resolved vibrational and electronic spectroscopy

• Constructing, aligning, and maintaining complex laser setups
• Development of analysis methods

Active participation in research, teaching, and administration

This involves:

• Developing and strengthening the independent research profile
• Involvement in research projects
• International publications and presentations
• Involvement in acquisition of third-party funding
• Independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement
• Supervision of students
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance
• Involvement in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration

In this position, a one-time financial contribution of € 100K will be made available.

3. Qualification Profile (minimum)

• Professional expertise:
• Expertise in spectroscopy, ideally infrared spectroscopy and/or time resolved spectroscopy
• Programming skills for analyzing data
• Doctoral degree/PhD degree
• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Ability to work in a team
• Excellent organizational skills
• Teaching experience
• Experience of working on research projects
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• International presentation experience

4. Qualification Profile (additional skills, necessary language, IT qualifications etc.)

Desirable qualifications:

• Knowledge of university processes and structures
• Experience abroad
• Experience of supervising students

5. Research Fields (keywords)

Time resolved infrared spectroscopy, time resolved electronic spectroscopy, transient absorption, soft matter, condensed matter, water

6. Additional Application Material

The following additional material are to be included in applications for this position:

• Motivation letter

7. Mentor

The additional mentor for this position is Leticia Gonzalez.

8. Earliest Start Date:

February, 2023.

9. Public Hearings & Interviews

tba