Open Position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (m/f/div)

Open Position for a

Postdoctoral Research Associate (m/f/div)
in the Department of Theory and Molecular Spectroscopy

The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr is presently looking for a candi­date with a strong background in physics or physical chemistry to strengthen the research team of Dr. Maurice van Gastel in the Department of Theory and Molecular Spectroscopy.

Responsibilities:

The main aim of the project is deriving a theoretical description of the magnetic Raman effect, inclu­ding spin-phonon coupling, which is observed when magnetic energy splittings are so large (on the order of 100 cm-1) that they can be observed by vibrational methods. The candidate will work in close collaboration with colleagues in the experimental field who carry out Raman measurements and magnetic Raman measurements on a newly installed Raman spectrometer with a 12 Tesla magnet (Dr. van Gastel). In addition, the candidate will be involved in projects of the Forschergruppe 5215, “bioinspired oxidation catalysis with iron complexes”.

Internally, the candidate will work with state-of-the-art quantum chemical methods (Prof. Neese) with a focus on establishing a theoretical description on an electronic level of the activation process of mole­cular oxygen by iron-based catalysts. The candidate will work in close collaboration with the group of Prof. DeBeer (X-rax spectroscopy) and the groups of Dr. Bill and Dr. SantaLucia who specia­lize in magnetic spectroscopy (electron paramagnetic resonance, Mössbauer, magnetic circular dichriosm and SQUID magnetometry). The position is available immediately, however the starting date is flexible.

The position (full time / 39 hours / available immediately) is initially for one year. A prolongation up to three years is possible.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree in physics or physical chemistry, basic knowledge about spectroscopy and quantum chemistry (e.g. DFT calculations) will greatly help.

  Application:

Please send your application in digital form to the contact stated below. In your application, include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a copy of your Ph.D. certificate.

Dr. Maurice van Gastel
maurice.van-gastel@kofo.mpg.de
Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1
45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr / Germany

Closing date: March 15, 2023

The MPI für Kohlenforschung is an equal opportunities employer, and therefore we welcome appli­cations from any suitable candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnical background, and disability status.