Researcher in ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy

Researcher in ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy of metal complexes and catalysts in solution

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. Read more at Department of Physics and Astronomy - Uppsala University (uu.se)

The research program in Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, focuses on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at the atomic length and time scales of Ångströms and femtoseconds. The program has a leading position in the use of X-ray photon science for probing atoms, molecules and chemical and biomolecular systems. Research within the program addresses fundamental questions concerning the interaction of light and matter and aims at revealing how the properties of a system result from its electronic structure and dynamics with applications in environmental, biophysical and chemical systems.

The position is placed in the group of Prof. Philippe Wernet. Research will be carried out using experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities and X-ray free-electron lasers combined with femtosecond laser spectroscopy at Uppsala University.

Duties
The research will be carried out in the Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics program. A significant part of the research will consist in developing new experimental capabilities for X-ray spectroscopy of dilute homogeneous catalysts and exemplary studies of dilute catalysts in solution within the framework of a funded VR grant.

• Perform research in bond activation by metal complexes and molecular catalysts in solution with X-ray spectroscopy
• Develop new experimental capabilities for bond activation within the research program in Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics
• Develop and test concepts and instrumentation for fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy
• Develop and test concepts and instrumentation for optical pump and X-ray probe spectroscopy of dilute homogeneous catalysts
• Acquire, organize, and lead beamtimes at international large-scale X-ray facilities
• Co-lead scientific collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups internationally
• Co-supervise PhD students
• Organize internal scientific meetings
• Actively seek external research funding
• Actively seek opportunities in teaching

Requirements

• PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or in a related field
• Previous experience in research, at least two years as a postdoc
• Proven and extensive experience in steady-state and time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy of metal complexes or molecular catalysts is required
• Success in acquiring and leading beamtime campaigns at large-scale X-ray facilities (synchrotrons or X-ray free-electron lasers or both) is required
• High motivation and strong team spirit
• Fluency in both written and spoken English
• Very good experimental skills

Additional qualifications

• Proficiency in calculations of X-ray spectra is particularly meritorious
• Experience in at least two of the following three areas of research: soft, tender, or hard X-ray spectroscopy of metal complexes in solution is particularly meritorious
• Experience with ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy with lab-based sources is meritorious
• Experience in ultrafast laser spectroscopy is meritorious
• Experience in collaborating with theory groups is meritorious
• Experience in teaching at higher-education institutions is meritorious

The application should include a letter describing the applicant and his/her qualifications and research interests. It should include a CV, copies of relevant degrees, contact details of at least two referees and a complete list of publications.

About the employment
The employment is a permanent position. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Philippe Wernet, +46 72 9999707, philippe.wernet@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 4 July 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2372.

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