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

ELETTRA - SINCROTRONE TRIESTE S.C.P.A.; Italia; Sur place; EUR 31 000 - 33 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Accident insurance

Supplementary medical insurance

Lunch vouchers

Paid holiday periods

Résumé du poste

ELETTRA - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. in Italy invites applications for a Postdoc position in the CHIRAX project focusing on X-ray spectroscopy of chiral molecules in solution.

The successful candidate will perform electronic structure calculations and nonlinear optical/X-ray methods using ab initio quantum chemistry packages. The role requires a PhD in Physics or related field, with a maximum of six years since graduation, and strong English communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry or related discipline.
• PhD awarded no more than 6 years ago.
• Applications welcomed from those with completed doctoral research where defense is scheduled.
• Experience in theory of X-ray spectra and/or molecular systems is a plus.
• Experience in XFEL/synchrotron simulations is an asset.
• Strong collaborative research skills in a team environment.
• Good time management and ability to interact with staff and international users.

Responsabilités

• Perform electronic structure calculations to predict chiral signals from X-ray absorption and chiral spectroscopies.
• Utilize ab initio quantum chemistry packages for nonlinear optical/X-ray methods.
• Apply for computation time at national/international facilities (e.g., University of Trieste, CINECA, Molecular Foundry).
• Analyze results, write reports and papers, present at conferences and workshops.
• Foster collaborations within CHIRAX with theoreticians and new partners.

Connaissances

English proficiency

Formation

PhD in Physics or related field

Outils

Ab initio quantum chemistry packages

Description du poste

Organisation/Company ELETTRA - SINCROTRONE TRIESTE S.C.P.A. Department HR Research Field Physics » Chemical physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 23:00 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 11 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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 andinternational collaborations with theoreticians.

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 usingab initioquantum 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.

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.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Physics » Chemical physicsPhysics » Applied physics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

- insurance covering accidents outside of the workplace;
- supplementary medical insurance;
- reimbursement for school textbooks
- lunch vouchers .
- paid holiday periods (prox. 5 weeks/year)

Eligibility criteria

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.

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.