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The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.

For the Center of Operando spectroscopy studies we are looking for a

PhD Student

Excited states of Cu complexes for Organic Light Emitting Diodes probed with pump-probe X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Your tasks

  • Your work will be focused on the performing time-resolved X-ray absorption experiments, analysis and interpretation of data obtained at at large scale research facilities, in particular, X-ray Free Electron Laser SwissFEL and synchrotron SLS. The interpretation of data step includes performing DFT calculations for metal complexes in the excited state and simulations of X-ray absorption spectra XAS. You will be also involved in optical pump-probe experiment performed at the University of Bern
  • You will explore computationally different strategies to develop efficient luminescent materials for example using temperature activated delayed fluorescence TADF. The goal is to find efficient and stable OLED luminophore on the basis of understanding of local atomic and electronic structure obtained using pump-probe X-ray absorption spectroscopy
  • During your PhD you will interact extensively with your colleagues from SLS and SwissFEL to realize complex experiments and with international collaborators

Your profile

Completed study in physics, chemistry or closely related discipline, with some experience in X-ray absorption spectroscopy and/or calculations using DFT-based methods. Practical skills to analize data using Python. Knowledge about pump-probe spectroscopic methods is a plus. You have an active interest in computational work and data analysis and take the initiative for new solutions; being able to work independently in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team. Good communication skills in English are required. You will be registered as a PhD Student at the University of Bern under the supervision of Prof. A. Cannizzo.

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Dr Grigory Smolentsev, phone +41 56 310 51 73.

Please submit your application online by 15 April 2023 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (index no. 5004-00).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
Apply online now
Best Employers
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HR Qualitätssiegel