PhD position in ultrafast X-ray science at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen, Switzerland

We have an open PhD position in time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy at the swiss Free-Electron Laser (FEL) SwissFEL at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Villigen.

The goal of the project is to investigate the relaxation processes taking place after exciting (solvated) molecules or nanoparticles with X-rays. We will specifically focus on the question how energy, locally deposited within a molecule or nanoparticle by X-rays is distributed, e.g., to an (aqueous) environment and what the underlying mechanisms are. To this end, we will follow the dynamics in real time on the femtosecond time scale.

The work will mainly be carried out at Maloja, the SwissFEL experimental station dedicated to study the ultrafast dynamics of atoms, molecules and nanoparticles.

The project is embedded into an SNF Starting Grant and the duration of the position is 4 years. The ideal start date is the beginning of 2024.

Your profile: You have a Master degree in Physics, Chemistry or similar, and enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary team. Your tasks include the planning, preparation and execution of experiments as well as the analysis and presentation/publication of the acquired data.

In case you are interested and/or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me (kirsten.schnorr@psi.ch).