Doctoral Researcher in Pulse EPR and Hyperpolarisation

About the role

The Spin Dynamics and Hyperpolarisation group at ETH Zurich is looking for a doctoral researcher, fully funded by a Starting Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The group aims to increase the sensitivity of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR, also called ESR) by orders of magnitude, combining method development with applied chemical spectroscopy. The position is fixed-term in Zurich, with a starting date by mutual agreement; applications are accepted as long as the advert is online.

Key responsibilities

• Work with a state-of-the-art pulse EPR spectrometer with arbitrary phase and amplitude control.
• Develop new pulse sequences with improved sensitivity and higher information content.
• Apply these sequences to challenging systems from inorganic chemistry and catalysis, as well as organic radicals.
• Contribute to a new method based on optical hyperpolarisation, eventually applied to the same systems.
• Focus on spectroscopic aspects, including experiments and spin-dynamics simulations; depending on the candidate's background, also chemical synthesis, catalysis and quantum-chemical calculations.

Required profile

• Master's degree in (physical) chemistry or a related field by the start of the position.
• Interest in spin dynamics, magnetic resonance and their applications to (in)organic chemistry.
• Research experience in an advanced magnetic resonance technique such as EPR, solid-state NMR or similar.
• Good understanding of the physics underlying magnetic resonance.
• Drive to take ownership of the project and openness to collaborating with people from different backgrounds.

What we offer

• An exciting project at the forefront of magnetic resonance method development.
• A position in a new research group with close collaboration and structured mentoring.
• Considerable freedom to pursue your own ideas and to develop academically and personally.
• World-class infrastructure and opportunities to initiate your own collaborations.

Applications are submitted online through the university's application portal, with a CV, a one-page motivation letter, copies of diplomas or transcripts and contact details of two referees. Questions about the position should be addressed to the group head.