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Job Description

A PhD position is available in Germany within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network TRILOGY, funded under Horizon Europe. The selected doctoral candidate will work on an interdisciplinary research project focused on ultrafast spectroscopy of chiral molecular ions, combining expertise in physics, chemistry, engineering, mass spectrometry, and ultrafast science.

The position is offered through a collaboration between the University of Kassel and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The doctoral researcher will be employed by Thermo Fisher Scientific for the full three-year duration of the PhD project. The doctoral thesis will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Jochen Mikosch at the University of Kassel. During the first 24 months, the doctoral researcher will be based at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen, Germany. This will be followed by an 12-month research period at the University of Kassel.

About the TRILOGY Doctoral Network

TRILOGY is a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network advancing research in the emerging field of ultrafast chirality. The network aims to exploit attosecond light-driven electron dynamics to overcome limitations associated with conventional chiroptical methods.

The research targets potential applications in life sciences and advanced technologies, with the goal of developing next-generation, highly sensitive spectroscopic tools for studying chiral molecules.

The network brings together institutions and partners from across Europe and will train 16 doctoral candidates at the intersection of experimental and theoretical ultrafast science. Researchers will work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, and related areas while gaining experience through collaboration between academia and industry.

The PhD project in Germany contributes to the TRILOGY work package focused on the design, development, and testing of an instrument for chiral photoelectron spectroscopy of molecular ions.

About the PhD Project

The selected candidate will conduct research on the ultrafast spectroscopy of chiral molecular ions.

The project will involve close collaboration between the University of Kassel and Thermo Fisher Scientific, a company active in the field of mass spectrometry.

During the first approximately 24 months, the main workplace will be at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen. The researcher will work on adapting an electrospray ion source and related instrumentation.

The researcher will subsequently relocate to the University of Kassel to perform experiments involving chiral molecular ions and femtosecond laser pulses. The experiments will use a novel momentum spectrometer ion target developed at the University of Kassel together with the ion source developed in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Key Research Activities

• The doctoral candidate will take a leading role in several research and technical activities, including:
• Adapting the hardware and software of a high-resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ion source and radiofrequency-based ion trap or ion accumulation system.
• Developing an ion guide transfer system for extracting molecular ions to an external spectrometer.
• Establishing protocols for producing and accumulating negatively charged chiral molecular ions of pharmaceutical relevance.
• Conducting ion-optical simulations to optimize ion trap performance and improve ion accumulation efficiency.
• Integrating the experimental control systems of the adapted Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer and the home-built momentum spectrometer at the University of Kassel.
• Performing, analyzing, interpreting, and publishing Photoelectron Circular Dichroism (PECD) photo-detachment experiments involving negatively charged chiral molecular ions and femtosecond laser pulses.
• Exploring opportunities to translate fundamental research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics into real-world applications.
• The selected researcher will also collaborate closely with international partners across the TRILOGY consortium and undertake two funded research stays with partner organizations within the network.
• Through the program, the doctoral candidate will have opportunities to strengthen their research profile through scientific publications, conference presentations, collaborative project activities, and interaction with academic and industrial researchers across Europe.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in chirality, molecular ions, ultrafast optics, and scientific instrumentation.
• A strong background in atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
• Proven experience with experimental laboratory research in one of the following fields: Femtosecond lasers, Ion transfer optics / ion traps, Charged particle detection
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• An interest in conducting experimental and theoretical research within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Previous experience in chirality, molecular ions, ultrafast optics, or instrumentation will be considered an advantage.
• Experience with Python programming is also preferred.

MSCA Mobility and Eligibility Requirements

As the position is funded through the MSCA Doctoral Network, applicants must meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

Applicants must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule. In general, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity, such as work or studies, in Germany for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Certain exceptions may apply under MSCA rules.

Applicants must also be doctoral candidates and must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

Candidates are encouraged to carefully verify their eligibility under the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network conditions before applying.

Application Documents

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Academic transcripts
• Copy of the Master's thesis
• Scientific publication, if available
• Applicants may also optionally include one letter of recommendation.

Selection Process

Candidates will initially be pre-selected based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the research project.

Shortlisted applicants may then be invited to an online or in-person interview involving representatives from the academic and industrial partners participating in the project.

Key Information

Position: PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate

Number of positions: 1

Research areas: Physics, Engineering, Chemistry

Researcher profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Contract: Temporary, full-time

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Country: Germany

Work locations: Bremen and Kassel

Funding: Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network

Project: TRILOGY

Marie Curie Grant Agreement: 101226887

If you are interested, please apply online with your CV and Motivation Letter.

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