Postdoctoral Research Associate

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste; Basovizza; Sur place; EUR 31 000 - 33 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste invites applications for a 12-month postdoctoral position in theoretical linear and non-linear X‑ray spectroscopy of chiral molecules in solution under the CHIRAX ERC grant. The successful candidate will perform electronic structure calculations to predict chiral signals from X-ray absorption and circular/hellical dichroism, using ab initio quantum chemistry packages.

The role involves collaborating with theoreticians, developing new methodologies, applying for

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry or related discipline.
• PhD defense within 6 years or completed with defense scheduled.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Experience with quantum chemistry and theoretical spectroscopy.

Responsabilités

• Perform electronic structure calculations to predict chiral signals from X-ray absorption and circular/helical dichroism.
• Develop and apply nonlinear optical/X-ray methods for molecules in solution.
• Collaborate with CHIRAX theoreticians and foster new collaborations.

Formation

PhD in Physics/Physical Chemistry or related discipline

Outils

Ab initio quantum chemistry packages

Description du poste

Postdoctoral Research Associate for Theoretical Linear and Non-linear X-ray spectroscopy of chiral molecules in solution within the CHIRAX ERC grant

Deadline: 15 November 2026

Careers / Research Area

Ref: DB/26/34 Background

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste is an international multidisciplinary research center offering international users access to synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation for the characterization and processing of matter. The extremely high quality of the light sources and beamlines has set new performance records and has been producing results of great scientific and technological interest. In order to allow the laboratory to remain competitive in the next 20 years, an entirely new synchrotron radiation source - Elettra 2.0 - belonging to the new generation of storage rings (DLSR or Diffraction Limited Storage Ring) is being installed and will join the already operating free-electron source FERMI in the next months. The new source will exhibit a major increase in the brilliance and coherence fraction of the photon beams. The Elettra 2.0 optics is based on our enhanced symmetric six bend achromat structure (S6BA-E) with a 12-fold symmetry and an emittance of 200 pm-rad at 2.4 GeV. The new structure creates also straight sections in the arcs permitting the installation of additional insertion devices, thus increasing the number of beamlines. Existing beamlines are being upgraded and new beamlines constructed to take full advantage of the characteristics of Elettra 2.0.2026. See http://www.elettra.eu for more information.

Beamline / Project / Activity description

The CHIRAX project ( https://chirax.elettra.eu/ ) funded by the European Research Council aims at implementing steady-state and time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy of chiral molecules in solution using circular and helical dichroism. The steady-state part is carried out at synchrotrons, while the time-resolved ones will exploit both synchrotrons and XFELs. The CHIRAX team has several strong national and international collaborations with theoreticians.

Job description

The successful candidate will perform electronic structure calculations to predict chiral signals from X-ray absorption and chiral (circular and helical dichroism) spectroscopies, as well as nonlinear optical/X-ray methods of molecules in solution using ab initio quantum chemistry packages. Such chiral signals often involve multipoles of higher orders than the usual transition electric dipoles and their accurate computation is indispensable. The successful candidate is expected to foster ongoing collaborations of the CHIRAX team with theoreticians and develop new ones. Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste possesses computational facilities, but access to larger external facilities is also foreseen. Specifically, the successful candidate is expected to apply for computation time at national and international computational facilities such as the University of Trieste, CINECA and the Molecular Foundry. Analysis of results, writing-up of reports and papers, presentation at conferences and workshops is expected.

Qualifications

A PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry or related discipline with specific expertise in quantum chemistry, theoretical spectroscopy and theory of non-linear phenomena is required. The candidate should have earned his/her PhD no more than 6 years ago.

Applications will be considered also from candidates who have completed their doctoral research, but for whom the defense is scheduled to take place.

The following qualifications will be considered as positive assets:

• Experience in the theory of X-ray spectra and/or molecular systems
• Experience in simulations of XFEL and/or synchrotron results

The successful candidates should possess strong personal skills favouring collaborative research programs in a team-oriented environment.

Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with the facility staff and international users at all levels and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

The envisioned appointment is a fixed term contract of an initial duration of 12 months governed by the National Metalworker Collective Labour Agreement (C.C.N.L.) and by the Company Labour Agreements (agreements available on www.elettra.eu section “amministrazione trasparente”). A trial period of 24 effective working days is foreseen.

The employment grade is Level B1 of the National Metalworker Collective Labour Agreement (C.C.N.L.), with a gross annual salary ranging from € 30.814,29 to € 32.500,00 depending on previous experience and qualifications of the candidate.

Applications must include a full curriculum vitae with a complete list of the candidate’s publications (scientific papers, book chapters, patents, technical reports, …) and any relevant information for the position, highlighting the pertinence to the present position and the names and contact information (including electronic mail) of up to two individuals who have agreed to provide references. A motivation letter is desirable.

The ranking of suitable candidates resulting from this selection process may be used within the following 24 months.

The interviews may be held via video conferencing.

Employees or former employees of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., as well as current or former personnel provided by temporary work agencies will be excluded from the present selection procedure. Employees or former employees of any Italian Public Entity who have exercised authority over Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. or have negotiated with Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. within the last three years will also be excluded from the present selection procedure, in accordance with the provisions of article 21 of the Italian legislative decree no. 39/2013 and in conjunction with article 53 (subsection 16ter) of Italian legislative decree no. 165/2001.

The publication of this call does not commit Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. to implement the procedure announced. Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. reserves the right to suspend/postpone/cancel this selection procedure or to launch a new call at its sole discretion, without the candidate being entitled to rise any claim.

In accordance with current applicable legislation, the selection procedure and any subsequent recruitment will be conducted in line with the principles of equal opportunities and non-discrimination.

Candidates will not be required to disclose information regarding their current or previous remuneration, in compliance with the provisions of Legislative Decree 96/2026.

The deadline for the submission of the application is November 15, 2026.

For further information please contact Prof.Majed Chergui: [e-mail] ; [e-mail]

We thank all applicants in advance.

Online Application