Postdoctoral fellow: Interaction of hydrogen with gas phase metal-carbon cluster

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 20 Aug 2022

(ref. BAP-2022-525)

Laatst aangepast : 11/07/2022

Quantum Solid-state Physics (QSP) is a section of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, one of the five departments of the Faculty of Science of the KU Leuven. QSP is specialized in experimental research of solid-state systems and focuses in particular on quantum phenomena at the atomic and microscopic scale, i.e. on the origin and tunability of functional electronic properties (magnetic, superconducting, semiconducting, dielectric), in systems with reduced dimensionality, from single-atom defects, to nanoscale clusters, 2-dimensional materials, thin films, and 3-dimensional heterostructures. QSP's research is fundamental in nature and, when relevant, applications in functional systems and devices are also explored.


Responsibilities

QSP is hiring a postdoctoral fellow for the project: “Metal doped carbon clusters as model systems for the chemical storage of hydrogen”. The project involves the study of clusters in molecular beams using mass spectrometry, hydrogen reactivity studies in an ion trap, and infrared spectroscopy using an OPO/OPA tunable laser. Most experiments will be performed in a molecular beam setup at KU Leuven, which uses a laser ablation source for the production of transition metal doped carbon clusters or transition metals on fullerenes. In addition, far-infrared spectroscopy experiments will be performed at the free electron laser facility FELIX in The Netherlands. In a later phase, soft-landed cluster deposition will be employed to fabricate materials made of deposited transition metal clusters on carbon supports. The task of the postdoc will involve a range of experiments on size-selected clusters, dedicated to investigate the interaction of hydrogen with transition metal doped carbon-based materials at the nanoscale. You will coordinate the daily activities in the gas phase cluster laboratory, guiding Master and PhD students, as well as developing your own research tasks.    


Profile

You are a motivated experimental scientist with a PhD in physics, chemistry or a closely related subject, preferentially with a background in gas-phase experiments, laser spectroscopy and/or cluster deposition techniques. The tasks require experience with high-vacuum technology and molecular beam setups, whereas experience with (infrared) laser spectroscopy, cluster sources, ion guiding and trapping, mass spectrometry, and quantum chemical calculations are strong assets. You work in a structured, transparent and accurate way. You are a team player and actively share experience and knowledge with colleagues. Your networking skills, creativity, persistence and passion for what you do are highly valued. We are looking for good communication skills in English, as you will work in a multicultural team and in international collaborations. 


Offer

We offer a 2-year postdoc position. You will receive a competitive scholarship and will be able to join a dynamic team of scientists. You will work in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and multicultural city located in the heart of Europe, within 20 minutes from Brussels.

Start date: as soon as possible - the position is immediately available.


Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ewald Janssens, tel.: +32 16 32 72 07, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Peter Lievens, tel.: +32 16 32 84 98, mail: [email protected].


KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].



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