Open positions
Doctoral researcher position (m/f/d) in solid-state NMR spectroscopy on nanoparticles and solid-liquid interfaces
About the Project
At the Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in the solid-state NMR group of Dorothea Wisser, a position for a doctoral researcher (m/f/d, 75 % TV-L E13, gross salary: ca 3 400 €) is available.
In modern nanoparticles, the particle surface chemistry governs their properties and their interactions with the surrounding media. This PhD project will be centered on the structural investigation of nanoparticles, their ligand shell and their interactions with liquid phases. To achieve this, method development and application of solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques, one of the most powerful analytic methods, will be central. New in situ solid-state NMR techniques under Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) will be developed to detect in real time the adsorption of vapours on nanoparticles and porous materials with different surfaces. Advanced multidimensional MAS NMR techniques will be developed and applied to obtain a molecular level understanding of nanoparticle structure-function relationships.
Our young and growing team operates a 500 MHz spectrometer, including various Magic Angle Spinning probes, a variable temperature flow probe for in situ MAS NMR spectroscopy and an NMR probe adapted for 129Xe NMR spectroscopy. The institute is fully equipped for materials analysis including (in situ) X-ray diffraction, (in situ) vibrational spectroscopy, physisorption techniques, EPR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Access to a wide range of other instrumentation is available.
Your qualifications
You hold or you will soon obtain a university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field with competitive grades. You have a strong interest in solid-state NMR spectroscopy, nanoparticles, porous materials and their structural characterization. Preferably, you also have preliminary experience with solid-state or liquid-state NMR spectroscopy and in the synthesis of materials. You are competent to work in an interdisciplinary team. You have a demonstrable ability to work both with a high level of independence and diligence but you can also present your ideas and results to a broad scientific audience. You are proficient in the English language; proficiency in the German language is beneficial though not essential.
About CRC 1411
The project is part of the collaborative research centre (CRC) 1411 “Design of Particulate Products”, an initiative funded since 2020 by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The PhD thesis will be embedded in the integrated Research Training Group of CRC 1411, which offers appealing benefits to the doctoral researchers, including wide access to equipment, collaborations, dual mentoring, travelling support, the possibility for research stays abroad, soft skill and career development training. More information is available here: www.crc1411.research.fau.eu.
Equal opportunities statement
The Friedrich-Alexander University promotes the professional equality of women. Therefore, women are expressly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons in the sense of the Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration over other candidates of equal professional qualification and personal suitability if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. If desired by the applicant (m/f/d), the Equal Opportunities Officer can be involved in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant (m/f/d).
How to Apply
The desired starting date is January 1st 2025. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Dorothea Wisser (dorothea.wisser@fau.de). Your application should include a motivation letter, a CV, a list of publications, the contact of a referee, and copies of your degrees and your grades.
Undergraduate and Graduate students
If you are interested in joining the group for a Bachelor or Master thesis, please contact dorothea.wisser@fau.de.