Doctoral Researcher in Pulse Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zurich's Spin Dynamics and Hyperpolarisation group seeks a doctoral researcher funded by an SNSF Starting Grant to push EPR sensitivity through new pulse sequences and optical hyperpolarisation. The project spans method development and applied chemical spectroscopy.

The position involves working with a state-of-the-art pulse EPR spectrometer, spin-dynamics simulations, and potential synthesis and quantum-chemical calculations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physical chemistry or a related field by start of position.
• Interest in spin dynamics, magnetic resonance, and their applications to (in)organic chemistry is essential.
• Experience with advanced magnetic resonance techniques (EPR, solid-state NMR, or similar) is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop new pulse sequences to enhance EPR sensitivity and information content.
• Perform spin-dynamics simulations and analyze experimental data.
• Contribute to chemical synthesis/catalysis and quantum-chemical calculations when applicable.

Skills

Spin dynamics

Magnetic resonance

EPR

Chemical spectroscopy

Education

Master's degree in physical chemistry

Tools

EPR spectroscopy

Job description

The Spin Dynamics and Hyperpolarisation group is looking for a doctoral researcher, fully funded by a Starting Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The group explores ways to enhance the sensitivity of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR, also known as electron spin resonance, ESR) by orders of magnitude. The project lies at the interface between method development and applied chemical spectroscopy.

Starting date: by mutual agreement.There is no deadline and the position will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Applications are considered as long as this advertisement is online.

Job description

The position involves working with a state-of-the-art pulse EPR spectrometer with arbitrary phase and amplitude control. The aim is to develop new pulse sequences with improved sensitivity and higher information content, and to apply them to challenging systems from inorganic chemistry and catalysis, as well as to organic radicals. Our group is also developing a new method based on optical hyperpolarisation, which will eventually be applied to the same systems.

The work will focus on the spectroscopic aspects, including experiments and spin-dynamics simulations. Depending on the candidate's background, it can also include chemical synthesis and catalysis, as well as quantum-chemical calculations.

The working language of the group is English.

Profile

• The candidate must hold a Master's degree in (physical) chemistry or a related field by the start of the position. Interest in spin dynamics, magnetic resonance, and their applications to (in)organic chemistry is essential.
• Research experience in an advanced magnetic resonance technique (EPR, solid-state NMR, or similar) is required.
• A good understanding of the physics underlying magnetic resonance is expected.

In addition, the candidate should have:

• the drive to take ownership of their project and push it forward
• openness to collaborating with people from different backgrounds

We offer

• An exciting project at the forefront of magnetic resonance method development
• A position in a new research group with close collaboration and structured mentoring
• Considerable freedom to pursue your own ideas and to develop both academically and personally
• World-class infrastructure
• Opportunities to initiate your own collaborations

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