Internship: Imaging chemical reactions in an optical fiber

FOM Institute AMOLF; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 11,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

AMOLF invites Master’s students in physics, chemistry, or materials science to join a research internship focused on imaging chemical reactions in an optical fiber using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF). The project probes water splitting on TiO2 nanoparticles and compares direct vs near-field excitation by monitoring oxygen evolution.

The internship is part of the MSc curriculum and is based at AMOLF in Amsterdam.

Qualifications

• Master's student in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field required.
• Internship must be part of curriculum (MSc thesis etc.).
• EU nationality or enrollment at a Dutch university is required for non-EU nationals.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform imaging experiments using TIRF to study water splitting activity on TiO2 nanoparticles.
• Evaluate direct vs near-field excitation effects on oxygen evolution.
• Collaborate with AMOLF researchers, perform data analysis and simulations related to nanoscale solid-liquid interfaces.

Education

Master's program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field

Job description

Master thesis project: Imaging chemical reactions in an optical fiber

This project focuses on the design of novel light-driven chemical reactors. This project focuses on using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) to image the water splitting activity at TiO2 nanoparticles. You will evaluate the impact of direct vs near-field excitation of these particles by monitoring oxygen evolution. This interdisciplinary project integrates optical setups and simulations to advance TIRF microscopy's role in studying photochemical processes.

Qualifications

We can only offer the project if:

you are currently enrolled in a Master’s program inphysics, chemistry, materials science,or a related field

and

you have an EU member state nationality

or

• you don't hold an EU nationality, but you are enrolled at a university in the Netherlands.

The internship has to be a mandatory part of your curriculum, for instance, as a MSc thesis.

We expect you to be available for at least 5 months, although longer is preferable.

Work environment

AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials,in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

The 3D Photovoltaics Group focuses on the investigation of nanoscale phenomena at (electrified) solid-liquid interfaces and the development of new materials and energy conversion principles for sustainable energy generation.

Current photovoltaic technologies require the use of highly pure materials, where the purification process is very energy intensive. In the group, we investigate how the same conversion efficiency can be obtained with lower quality material by introducing nanophotonic concepts and rational light management strategies. We develop new fabrication pathways for photovoltaic absorber and contact layers within the framework of circular chemistry, that minimize raw material usage and less energy-intensive systems. In parallel, we are interested in the (in)direct storage of solar energy. In particular, we focus on underpinning the key physico-chemical properties of solid-liquid interfaces that rule charge transfer and conversion from electrical to chemical energy. For this, we develop in-situ characterisation techniques with which electrochemical, optical and surface properties of materials can be determined with nanoscale resolution.

Working conditions

At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor.

AMOLF Energy Research Academy : AMOLF offers a special program for research internships in sustainable energy science. It is composed of a research project in one of AMOLF’s research groups, combined with a series of dedicated tutorials on fundamental aspects of the science behind sustainability technology. Admission to this Academy is only possible in combination with a research internship project at AMOLF.

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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