The Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics program at Uppsala University is offering 3 PostDoc stipends for a duration of 2 years funded through the Carl Trygger foundation. The research program has a leading position in the use of X-rays for probing atoms, molecules and chemical and biomolecular systems with a focus on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at the atomic length and time scales of Ångströms and femtoseconds.
Interested candidates are invited to send their application (CV, list of publications and letter of motivation) to the principal investigator of the respective project. Applications will be continuously assessed until the positions are filled.
Ultrafast THz and X-ray spectroscopy
We are looking for a PostDoc with a PhD in preferentially Physics or Chemistry, who has a strong background in experimental ultrafast (laser) spectroscopy. The PostDoc will work on the development of novel ultrafast THz/X-ray spectroscopic techniques and their application to solution-phase chemical reactions. The goal is to relate orbital-level charge dynamics to long-range polaronic responses of the solvent environment during chemical reactions with relevance in the fields of light-harvesting, redox catalysis and bond activation.
Contact: Raphael Jay (raphael.jay@physics.uu.se)
Attosecond X-ray Science
The purpose of the project is to develop theoretical tools for modelling ultrafast dynamics in the sub-femtosecond regime. We already combine molecular dynamics with plasma simulations and diffraction calculations, to investigate the interaction between femtosecond X-ray lasers and biological macromolecules. Our goal is to reveal the ultrafast dynamics of samples in an intense X-ray field, and ultimately achieve structural determination of single particles with X-ray lasers.
Contact: Nicusor Timneanu (nicusor.timneanu@physics.uu.se)
Predicting catalysis with calculations
We aim at understanding how and on which time scale catalytically active species are formed, how they bind inert bonds to metal centers in short-lived reaction intermediates and how this interaction ultimately breaks bonds. The candidate will help our international collaboration by calculating reaction profiles, structures, and ground- and excited-state molecular dynamics simulations. This forms the basis for designing new 3d-metal catalysts for bond activation.
Contact: Philippe Wernet (philippe.wernet@physics.uu.se)
GEFAM 