MBI invites applications for 2 PhD students (m/f/d) for the experimental investigation of time- and energy-resolved electron scattering (TERES) of photochemical reactions in gas-phase molecules as part of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project "TERES”.

Job profile:

In the last year, we have developed and utilized a state-of-the-art 95-keV ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) instrument to explore ultrafast dynamics in photoexcited condensed matter (see DOI: 10.1063/4.0000256). One key achievement has been demonstrating the advantages of operating at higher repetition rates and employing direct electron detection to capture femtosecond-resolved scattering signals using only single-electron pulses without temporal compression. In on-going work, we have the capability to compress electron pulses from the picosecond to the femtosecond regime using external radio-frequency fields.

In a new ERC-funded project as part of a Starting Grant, we aim push the boundaries of UED by incorporating the energy dimension into these measurements. Our primary focus will be on ultrafast photochemical reactions in gas-phase molecules, with the ambitious goal of simultaneously capturing both electronic and nuclear dynamics in a single experiment, under identical conditions. This high-risk, high-reward project has the potential to redefine our understanding of ultrafast photochemistry, and could open a completely new field in ultrafast science.

The project will involve performing UED measurements with electron pulses that exhibit no-to-low space-charge effects, enabling us to probe ultrafast nuclear dynamics with high spatio-temporal precision. We will also be upgrading our UED instrument to integrate the energy dimension to UED studies, ultimately facilitating TERES measurements of photochemical reactions. A state-of-the-art high repetition rate, high average power femtosecond laser system will be critical for driving these experiments. Our efforts will be strengthened through collaborations with leading experts in quantum dynamical simulations (Prof. Todd Martinez, Prof. Adam Kirrander), and electron beam technology (Prof. Jom Luiten, Prof. Brad Siwick). Additionally, we anticipate knowledge exchange and conducting complementary experiments at major national and international MeV UED facilities, such as the MeV-UED source at SLAC, to further explore these groundbreaking concepts. Overall, we anticipate a multiple number of academic publications in high impact journals.

Requirements:

We are seeking highly motivated, talented, and excellent candidates for these positions. Applicants must hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in chemistry or physics, with good knowledge in femtosecond molecular dynamics with ultrafast laser physics (e.g., ultrafast measurements of gas jet molecular beams) being essential. Prior experience in ultrafast electron diffraction, molecular beams and/or working with high vacuum equipment would be an advantage . Very good verbal and written communications skills in English are required.

Offer:

All positions are available from 1 March 2025 and are initially limited to 3 years with possible extension by up to 12 months . The payment will be according to the German TVöD salary scheme for scientists in public research institutions (75% for PhD students).

MBI is an equal-opportunity employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

If equally qualified, severely handicapped persons are given preference.

MBI supports the reconcilability of family and working life and is certified by the audit workandfamily (audit berufundfamilie) as a family-friendly employer.

Please upload your application, including cover letter (specifying why you are interested in the position), curriculum vitae, certificates and description of previous professional activities electronically via the MBI online recruiting platform at https://mbi-berlin.de/career. Official supervision will be given by Dr. Kasra Amini at MBI with affiliation to the physics department of Freie Universität Berlin. The positions are open until filled.

For further information about the ERC project, please contact Dr. Kasra Amini (amini@mbi-berlin.de).