Ph.D. pos. at PSI Switzerland: excited states of OLED materials

For the Center of Operando spectroscopy studies at Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland we are looking for a PhD student. The project links DFT-based calculations of the electronic structure, computational development of luminescent materials and X-ray absorption spectroscopy of photoexcited luminophores with experimental data obtained at large scale research facilities, in particular, X-ray Free Electron Laser SwissFEL and synchrotron SLS.

Your tasks

Your work will be focused on performing time-resolved X-ray absorption experiments, analysis and interpretation of data obtained at large-scale research facilities, in particular, X-ray Free Electron Laser SwissFEL and synchrotron SLS. The data interpretation 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 an 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 an efficient and stable OLED luminophore on the basis of an 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 analyze 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.

About us

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.

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 [email protected]

Full announcement at: https://www.psi.ch/en/pa/job-opportunities/56200-phd-student

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