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PhD scholarship: Surface studies on chiral nanoclusters

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type Marie Curie PhD Scholarship
  • Application deadlineExpired
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Position Details (PhD Program)

Quantum Solid-state Physics (QSP) is a research unit of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, one of the five departments of the Faculty of Science of the KU Leuven. QSP is specialised 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, optic, semiconducting, and dielectric), in systems with reduced dimensionality, from single-atom defects, to nanoscale clusters, 2-dimensional materials, thin films, and 3-dimensional heterostructures.
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Project

QSP is seeking for a doctoral researcher who will be part of the CHIRALNANOMAT Doctoral Network (MSCA – Horizon Europe). This is a multi-disciplinary project between 7 laboratories and 6 companies in 7 European countries. The network merges physics, chemistry, and biosciences into a unique combination of advanced synthesis and characterization of chiral metal nanoclusters, as well as their applications in catalysis and biosensing. CHIRALNANOMAT's will train 13 Doctoral Candidates who will become experts in chiral nanomaterials. The project aims to overcome the current state-of-the-art through: (i) production of chiral atomically precise metal nanoclusters and their assemblies; (ii) extensive characterization of their chiral properties, structure and optical properties; both in solution phase and on solid supports; (iii) catalytic and biomedical applications followed by the prototyping of the most promising enantioselective catalysts and bioprobes; and (iv) development of new computational tools to study chiroptical, catalytic properties and interface of nanomaterials and biomolecules and integration of computational and experimental studies to understand their functionalities.
The current vacancy concerns the Doctoral Candidate at QSP, who will study the self-organisation of chiral monolayer-protected metal nanoclusters on inert surfaces. The dependence of the organization on annealing conditions, cluster size, and the ligand type will be investigated. Through complementary nonlinear optical characterisation, insight will be obtained in the correlation between the chiral optical properties and the structural organisation. The Doctoral Candidate will be trained in the preparation of surfaces with chiral monolayer protected clusters using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, their structural study with atomic force microscopy and scanning tunnelling microscopy, and their electronic characterisation using scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. He/she will also be made familiar with nonlinear optical characterisation of the chiral surfaces, in particular by second harmonic generation. Through a secondment, he/she will be trained in the theoretical modelling of the chiral surfaces.

Profile

  • You are a motivated researcher with a Master in physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, or related fields.

  • You have knowledge of scanning tunneling microscopy, molecular networks, surface science, or optics and have a strong motivation for research in nanomaterials, theoretical chemistry/physics, catalysis, biomedicine and spectroscopy.

  • You obtained excellent results in your prior studies and are fluent in both spoken and written English.

  • You are a team player who actively shares their experience and knowledge with colleagues.

  • Networking skills, creativity, persistence, and passion for what you do are highly valued.

  • You should comply with the mobility rule of MSCA Doctoral Networks, i.e., you may not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, study) in the country of the recruiting organisation (i.e. Belgium) for longer than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.

Offer

  • We offer a stimulating work environment in a dynamic team of scientists at KU Leuven, an innovative and highly ranked university, recognised for its strong research profile and overall academic quality.

  • CHIRALNANOMAT’s training programme is based on a strong collaboration between the public and the private sector and will combine local expert training at each academic and industrial partner, a network-wide secondment scheme, and a series of seminars, workshops and schools. Its goal is to provide each Doctoral Candidate employed in the network with a unique set of cross-cutting expertise & skills, as demanded by employers in nanoscience & nanotechnology both in academia and industry.

  • You will work in Leuven; a historic, dynamic, and multicultural city located in the heart of Europe and will undertake short research stays (secondments) at TU Vienna, the Italian National Research Council (CNR, Pisa), and Furukawa Institute of Technology (Budapest) for specific project-related training.

CHIRALNANOMAT website

Interested?

Applicants need to submit a motivation letter (max 1 page) outlining qualifications for the position, 1 recommendation letter, and a CV (Europass type) including information on university degrees (if possible with Grade Point average scores) and optional additional reference contacts. Candidates who apply for multiple positions within the CHIRALNANOMAT network should mention that in their motivation letter.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ewald Janssens, tel.: +32 16 32 72 07, mail: [emailprotected] or Prof. dr. Thierry Verbiest, tel.: +32 16 32 78 81, mail: [emailprotected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

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