Postdoc in UHV STM studying energy storage in molecules (1.0 FTE)

Organisation

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University. We offer first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. Our community has an open and informal character with students and staff from around the world.

Job description

A postdoc position within the interdisciplinary project ESiM (Energy Storage in Molecules,

https://esim-project.eu/

) funded by the Pathfinder Open action (HORIZON EUROPE) is available in the Surface Science group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.

The goal of the project is to create the scientific basis for a radically new technology addressing the pressing challenges of scalable clean energy storage. The ESiM strategy is to use the conformational degrees of freedom of organic molecules, and to create dense molecular arrays of scalable dimensions on a surface to avoid the limits of battery technology based on the flow of ions and on environmentally harmful substances.

The aim of the present postdoc position is to carry out molecular self-assembly investigations directed at the ensemble behaviour of molecules with scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S) measurements at temperatures between 5 K and room temperature under ultrahigh vacuum conditions as well as under ambient conditions. In particular, the STM investigations should shed light on the rotational and conformational states of the molecules at different temperatures, also in dependence of their environment. With the help of the tip, switching of such a rotational or conformational state shall be performed with the goal to store energy within such a manipulated state and to possibly use it in the future for the fabrication of a basic solid state device.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated candidate with/ who is:

• a PhD, obtained no longer than 4 years ago, in Physics, Material Sciences, Nanoscience or Physical Chemistry
• experience in (low temperature) scanning probe microscopy and in handling of ultrahigh vacuum (this is a must)
• a passion for science and excellent communication skills
• the ability to write scientific papers and deliver presentations
• a good command of English (oral and written)
• enthusiastic and a team player.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary from a minimum of € 3,557 gross per month up to a maximum of € 4,670 gross per month (salary scale 10) based on a full-time position and dependent on qualifications and work experience
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and participation in a pension scheme for employees
• a personal budget of € 1,000 per year that is dedicated for additional training and career activities.
• career services for partners of new faculty members moving to Groningen.

The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another year. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.

The preferred starting date would be November 2022 but can be negotiated.

Information

For information you can contact:

Prof. M.A. Stöhr,   [email protected]

Dr Grubisic-Cabo,   [email protected]

(please do not use the email addresses above for applications)

Additional information
ZIAM
Surface Science group