Header image Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.

The department Dynamics at Surfaces (Prof. Dr. Alec M. Wodtke) is inviting applications for a position as

Postdoc (f/m/x)

The research aims to study condensed-phase chemical reactions at cryogenic temperatures to better understand the fundamental processes that control the formation of complex organic molecules in interstellar star-forming clouds. This topic addresses issues of molecular quantum dynamics in low-temperature condensed phases, a frontier area of chemical physics that is still poorly understood.

The candidate will study chemical reactions at low temperatures (4 to 30 K) on surfaces and in ice matrices under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions using advanced infrared technology based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) and broadband femtosecond mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy. Both approaches allow tracking the dynamics with vibrational quantum state resolution.

Your profile

The candidate should hold a PhD or equivalent degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, or a related subject. Experience in pulsed lasers (fs/ns), optical frequency conversion units, laser optics, cryocoolers, and UHV technology as well as IR spectroscopy and programming skills is advantageous.

What we offer

Interesting and varied work in an interdisciplinary environment
A wide range of offers to help you balance work and family life: on campus kindergarten places including vacation care, parent-child offices, etc.
Further training opportunities and language courses
Cafeteria with a wide range of meals plus an espresso bar
Health management: free fitness and yoga room, sports groups, course offerings for a “moving break”
Initiatives for sustainability and a green environment with a new biotope

Position details

The starting date is scheduled for April 2025. The postdoc position is limited to two years with the possibility of extension. Payment and benefits are based on the German Public Service Payscale (TVöD Bund) guidelines.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and, therefore, encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for diversity and gender equality and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Please send your application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV, transcript of records, contact names, and addresses of two to four referees familiar with the work of the candidate preferably via the application-button one single PDF file until January 31, 2025.

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Department of Dynamics at Surfaces
Prof. Dr. Alec M. Wodtke
Prof. Dr. Dirk Schwarzer
Am Fassberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Web: https://www.mpinat.mpg.de/wodtke

Information pursuant to Article 13 DSGVO on the collection and processing of personal data during the application process can be found on our website below the respective job advertisement.

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Full-Time , Temporary

Postdoc

Updated at 12/17/2024

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