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PhD/Postdoc position on molecular structures on surfaces using scanning probe microscopy

Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team and conduct cutting-edge research in the field of molecular structures on surfaces using high-resolution scanning probe techniques. The successful candidate will work on a project that aims to study and manipulate the conformation as well as intermolecular interactions of molecular structures on surfaces at temperatures between 5 K and room temperature under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. In particular, external stimuli like thermal excitation and scanning tunneling microscopy manipulation will be applied to modify molecular structures on surfaces. The project will involve the use of advanced scanning probe techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy. The project is embedded into the DFG Collaborative research center SFB953 Synthetic Carbon Allotropes (https://www.sfb953.research.fau.eu/) and the interdisciplinary project ESiM (Energy Storage in Molecules, https://esim-project.eu/) funded by the Pathfinder Open action. Close collaboration with research groups from experimental physics, theory, and synthetic chemistry will take place. The collaborators from synthetic chemistry will provide specially designed molecular building blocks with tailored functionalities. We offer outstanding infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment and broad interdisciplinary surroundings.

Qualifications

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

  • has a degree (Postdoc:PhD, PhD student: master) in Physics, Material Sciences, Nanoscience, or Physical Chemistry .
  • has interest in surface science, for PhD candidates previous experience using ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis equipment or scanning probe microscopy is not required.
  • 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 salary will be according to the German TV-L E13 (Postdoc: 100% /PhD: 75%).
  • The position is available immediately for 3 years (PhD) and 1 years + 1 years (Postdoc)

Applications

The application should contain:

  • cover letter outlining motivation, qualifications, experience, and career goals,
  • curriculum vitae,
  • contact details of 3 people who can provide information on your suitability for the position (thesis supervisors etc.),

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Additional information

For further information, you can contact Prof. Dr. Sabine Maier (sabine.maier@fau.de) and consult the following web pages: https://www.spm.nat.fau.de

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PhD/Postdoc position in the field of low-dimensional materials on surfaces using scanning probe microscopy

The scanning probe microscopy group at the Physics Department of the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg is looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate with a strong experimental background in Solid State Physics, Surface Science, or Physical Chemistry. In this Ph.D. project, the research topic focuses on the atomic-scale characterization and bottom-up fabrication of low-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials with peculiar electronic properties via self-assembly and on-surface reactions.

The Ph.D. project aims in particular at the on-surface synthesis of novel atomically precise 1D and 2D covalently linked organic and metal-organic ribbons and networks under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) on metal surfaces and 2D materials. We use high-resolution scanning probe techniques – including non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) /spectroscopy (STS) – in ultra-high vacuum at low temperatures to explore their structural and electronic properties. Using functionalized tips, we can resolve individual atoms and bonds in these carbon-based materials to unambiguously identify their structure. The electronic properties are investigated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy.

The project is part of the DFG Collaborative research center SFB953 – Synthetic carbon allotropes – (https://chemistry.nat.fau.eu/research/dfg/sfb953/) that provide close collaboration with research groups from experimental physics, theory, and synthetic chemistry. The specially designed molecular building blocks with tailored functionalities are provided by collaborators. We offer outstanding infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings.

Required qualifications include a master’s degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or in a related field. A solid background in surface science and previous experience using ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis equipment would be a benefit, is however not expected. Excellent communication skills in English are required.

The position is available immediately for 3 years (PhD) Postdoc (2 years). The salary will be according to the German TV-L. Applications must include a brief statement of interest, CV including an academic transcript with the obtained marks and contact information of 2 references. Please submit your application by e-mail to Prof. Dr. Sabine Maier: sabine.maier@fau.de.
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Bachelor/Master Students

Diploma, Bachelor and Master students looking forward to complete their degree at our group are very welcome. If you are interested just pay us a visit or write an email to sabine.maier@fau.de.