PhD Candidate in Imaging Ultrafast Molecular Dynamics

About Our Campus: Hebrew University’s Edmond J. Safra Campus is a vibrant hub of academic and research excellence nestled in the heart of Jerusalem. Our modern campus boasts state-of-the-art lab facilities, world-renowned faculty, and a stimulating environment that fosters scientific exploration, intellectual growth, and innovation.
About Our Department: The Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University was the first in Israel, founded by Prof. Andor Fodor with support from Albert Einstein and Chaim Weizmann. Today, it is home to 34 faculty members and over 200 research students, offering a vibrant environment for education and research. The institute emphasizes multidisciplinary research, advanced scientific training, and collaboration with industry, resulting in impactful research and innovative developments.
About Our Research: The research group led by Prof. Daniel Strasser focuses on developing novel experimental techniques to visualize ultrafast molecular dynamics, probing mechanisms that break chemical bonds and form new ones in isolated molecules and clusters. The group is involved in several research projects, including: (1) Roaming reaction mechanisms, which form non-trivial products, such as the methanol dication, using extreme-ultraviolet pulses. (2) Intramolecular and intermolecular charge-transfer dynamics, which involve ultrafast laser ionization triggering molecular structural rearrangement, focusing on charge redistribution by proton and electron transfer mechanisms. The research combines cutting-edge experimental methods, including femtosecond lasers and velocity map imaging, with theoretical modeling.
Link to the group’s website for more information on research opportunities: https://sites.google.com/view/daniel-strasser-lab/home
Job Description: We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team and work on imaging ultrafast molecular dynamics. The candidate will be involved in visualizing and understanding molecular fragmentation, ionization, and other related processes using advanced experimental techniques. The position involves hands-on work with ultrafast lasers, ultra-high vacuum systems, particle detectors, and programming for data analysis. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in experimental physical chemistry and molecular physics in a dynamic research environment.
About Your Supervisor: Prof. Daniel Strasser is a leading researcher in the field of ultrafast molecular dynamics and femtochemistry. He is based at the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prof. Strasser’s research is centered on understanding molecular fragmentation, roaming reaction mechanisms, and charge transfer dynamics through the use of cutting-edge experimental techniques. He is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for young scientists, encouraging exploration and innovation.
Funding: We encourage you to ask about our approach tocompensation during the interview process.
Your Profile (To excel in this role, we seek candidates with):
– An MSc-level background in physical chemistry or molecular physics.
– Basic programming skills.
– Ability and willingness to learn how to implement and use advanced technologies, such as femtosecond lasers, ultra-high vacuum, particle detectors, and multidimensional data analysis.
– A strong motivation to work with experimental hardware and develop analysis code for measured data.
Embracing Diversity: At Hebrew University we believe that diversity inspires creativity, fosters curiosity, and enriches our ecosystem through academic collaboration and cultural exchange. We consider every member of our community an integral part, irrespective of their religion, gender, or ethnic origin.
HUJI is home to nearly 25,000 students across our 6 campuses, including ~2,500 per year representing 90+ countries. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to engage with your peers here on equal ground, in an environment that promotes equity and inclusion, and celebrates the contribution of its talented members.
Application:  Please submit your application as three separate PDFs, each containing the following:
– Letter of motivation
– CV (including a list of publications)
– Copy of your original academic degree(s)
Application Deadline: See details below.
About Hebrew University: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) is one of the world’s leading research institutions, consistently ranked as a global top 100 university. Established by luminaries such as Albert Einstein, we’re at the forefront of groundbreaking research, entrepreneurship, and innovation across various domains, including brain sciences, medicine, biomedicine, life sciences, mathematics, agriculture, and more. Our 6 campuses house 100+ research centers, with ~4,000 research projects underway year-round.
About Jerusalem: Hebrew University is an integral part of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and one of the most fascinating, diverse cities on earth. Thousands of students from across the globe live in Jerusalem, immersing themselves in its vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, while marveling at the juxtaposition of its 3,000-year-old history and cutting-edge modernity. Students make the most of their spare time by enjoying Jerusalem’s myriad attractions, from restaurants, cafes and pubs, to dance clubs, museums, theaters, and year-round festivals.