Postdoctoral position in ultrafast x-ray spectroscopy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 125 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Find out more at www.physics.uu.se.

The postdoctoral position is placed in the Division of Molecular and Condensed Matter Physics. The research within the division is based on experimental studies of the electronic structure using x-ray-based spectroscopy. The Division invites applications for a postdoctoral position targeting the development and application of time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy of metal complexes and molecular catalysts.

Duties/Project description: We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with very good experimental skills, proven and extensive experience  in x-ray spectroscopy of metal complexes or molecular catalysts and proven proficiency in calculations of x-ray spectra.  The aim of the postdoctoral project is to develop and apply time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy for applications to metal complexes and molecular catalysts in solution. Ultrashort x-ray pulses from lab-based, synchrotron radiation and x-ray free-electron laser sources will be combined to probe bonding and dynamics of metal complexes. The aim is to relate the experimental observables with the reactivity of the systems and to start building a new understanding of catalytic bond activation by metal complexes. This work will be performed in close collaboration with theory groups developing new tools for the description of metal-ligand bonding from first principles and with experimental groups using complementary lab-based methods. The fundamental knowledge acquired in this project can be used in the development of energy applications or applications in environmental science.

The project will be carried out in the group of Prof. Philippe Wernet, who recently joined the Division of Molecular and Condensed Matter Physics. Research will be carried out using femtosecond laser spectroscopy at Uppsala University combined with experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities and x-ray free-electron lasers.

The position as a postdoctoral researcher is limited to two years.

Requirements: To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Extra attention will be paid to scientific skills. Qualifications in experimental time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy of metal complexes or molecular catalysts in solution are highly rated. Experience with calculations of x-ray spectra of metal complexes or molecular catalysts will be considered in addition. Fluency in both written and spoken English is an absolute prerequisite.

Other: The application, preferably in English, shall include a personal application letter, a curriculum vitae, a copy of your PhD degree and your grades, a copy of, or link to, your PhD thesis, at least two references from academia, personal circumstances that may affect our judgement of your qualifications, a list of publications (if your work has been published), and any other documentation that you want us to consider.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 15 June 2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Philippe Wernet, philippe.wernet@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 22 May 2020, UFV-PA 22020/1654.

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