Postdoc position in Organic photochemistry, focused on excited state (anti)aromaticity

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 290 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website. (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1). 

Project description
The research area of the postdoctoral project is organic photochemistry, with a focus on the fundamental aspects of aromaticity and antiaromaticity in electronically excited states. This research involves qualitative electronic structure theory, quantum chemical computations, and experimental investigations within the research group as well as in collaborations. The excited state aromaticity and antiaromaticity area has grown significantly in recent years, yet, at the same time it has become gradually more clear that the limitations, complications and pitfalls need to be mapped out more comprehensively if the concepts are to be used properly in various applications. The focus of the postdoctoral project will be to explore the different types of excited state (anti)aromaticity that exist and to assess to what extent they apply to various electronically excited states. Competing phenomena that influence the excited state properties of molecules should also be explored. The project will suit a person who wants to dwell into electronic structure related properties of molecules without any immediate application in mind.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

The work duties of the postdoctoral fellow will be to: 

• Use qualitative theory for chemical bonding (MO and VB) to set up hypotheses, and perform state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations to assess (anti)aromaticity effects in electronically excited states.
• Perform synthesis of compounds that exhibit interesting properties according to the computations.
• Carry out photochemical and optical spectroscopy investigations, and take part in investigations using ultrafast spectroscopy techniques with collaborators.

Requirements
PhD degree in Chemistry or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Chemistry. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

The postdoctoral fellow needs to have an advanced experience in areas of physical organic chemistry that are related to excited state (anti)aromaticity, e.g., in organic photochemistry, design and spectroscopic investigations of novel p-conjugated hydrocarbons, and/or in design and investigations of high-spin molecules. The applicants should have documented experience of both experimental (synthesis and optical spectroscopy) and computational/theoretical work. In the application, the applicant should describe clearly why they seek to work in a project linking quantum chemical theory and computation with experimental studies. 

The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the amount of publications. 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date August 1 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact:  Henrik Ottosson (henrik.ottosson@kemi.uu.se) 

Please submit your application by May 6 2024, UFV-PA 202X/1320. 
The application shall include CV, cover letter, list of publications and contact details to three references. Kindly refrain to include recommendation letters. 

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