Inspired by nature, scientists nowadays try to make molecules that are able to perform the same functions as macroscopic machines. To understand the ‘instruction manual’ of machines on such a molecular scale, one needs to study how the various components of these machines interact with each other, how they interact with their environment, and how these components can be moved in a controllable way with respect to each other. We have been the first ones to show that an approach based on high-resolution spectroscopy on jet-cooled, isolated molecular machines, and on their clusters with solvent molecules can indeed provide such answers. The goal of the present NWO-ECHO project is to study the operation of molecular machines in which the components of the machine move with respect to each other. Photochemically induced isomerisation will be used to trigger this motion and gain active control over it. The primary tool to monitor the change in the relative positions of the components of the machine as a function of time will be IR-UV multiple-resonance techniques and photofragmentation spectroscopy.

The Molecular Photonics group aims to advance the fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of excited states in molecules and nano-sized objects, and to contribute with its expertise to applications of the photosciences. The group works towards these objectives using existing strengths associated with the scientific expertise acquired over the years. These strengths are in areas ranging from synthesis and catalysis to electron and energy transfer to non-linear optics. At the same time the group can make use of an impressive experimental toolbox with tools that include state-of-the-art spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques as well as computational assets. For more information, please see the 'Refer To'-section below.

Requirements

A master/academic degree in (Physical) Chemistry or (Experimental) Physics. The candidate should have proven laboratory skills, and affinity for working with advanced technical equipment. Experience with (laser) spectroscopic methods is an advantage.

Further information

Project information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. W.J. Buma, E-mail: w.j.buma@uva.nl; phone +31-(0)20-525-6973.

The application address can be found below.

Appointment

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (1½ year plus a further 2½ years after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan that includes attendance of courses and national and international meetings will be drafted. Every year there will be an evaluation. The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel, and will range from € 2.042,- (first year) before tax, up to a maximum of € 2.612,- (last year) per month. The Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities is applicable.

Job application

To save paper and the environment, all applications and responses will be sent by e-mail only. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, a list with courses taken during bachelor and master with the marks obtained for them, a list of publications, the names and addresses of at least two references, and a cover letter. All these should be grouped in one PDF attachment. Please e-mail your application to application-science@uva.nl, quoting the right vacancy number in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is 1 December 2011.