Phd Student

Company DescriptionThe Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) is a leading research institution under the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), known for its excellence in chemistry research. IPC PAS hosts interdisciplinary groups at the forefront of chemistry, physics, and biology, fostering innovation and scientific growth. The institute is dedicated to supporting scientists in their career development and engagement with society, with a strong emphasis on research output and education.Role DescriptionThis is a full-time on-site role for a Ph.D. Student in the Molecular Nanophotonics reaserch team. The Ph.D. Student will be involved in conducting research, attending seminars, collaborating with fellow researchers, and publishing scientific papers. The role also includes engaging in scientific discussions, presenting findings, and contributing to the academic community.Key responsibilities include• Microspectroscopy measurements with high spectral and temporal resolutions: fluorescence, phosphorescence, and SERS measurements in spectral and temporal domains. Primarily working on the imaging and spectroscopic characterization of dark states of nanostructures and molecules.• Numerical analysis and interpretation of collected data.Dissemination of research results at team and project meetings, in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferencesQualificationsStrong background in chemistry, physics, or related scientific fieldExcellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilitiesEffective communication and presentation skillsAbility to work collaboratively in a team environmentPrior research experience are a plusMaster's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related disciplinePhD Project DescriptionThe objective of the proposed research is to understand and utilize the interactions between metallic nanoparticles and adjacent molecular systems when either is in a "dark" electronic state. In molecules, these dark states, such as the triplet state, can be harnessed to control the reactivity and photostability of chemical substances. For nanoparticles, dark modes—higher-order modes that are optically invisible when the nanoparticles are much smaller than the wavelength of light—play a crucial role in determining the local electromagnetic field distribution and its dynamics. These fields can profoundly impact nearby molecules' spectroscopy, photophysics, and photochemistry. Both types of dark states are challenging to detect optically but are of significant importance in the fields of photochemistry and nanophotonics. Therefore, there is a growing demand for simple, cost-effective methods to detect and characterize these states. In this project, we propose a novel methodology for detecting and spectroscopically visualizing dark states in both chemical molecules and nanoparticles. This approach relies on measurements of Raman scattering and luminescence excitation profiles.The development and application of this methodology will enable us to study how metallic nanoparticles influence the electronic states of adjacent molecules and how the excitation of these "dark" modes can be leveraged to control chemical reactivity and processes.Job type• Scollarship + 20% employment contract • Status: full-time • Hours Per Week: 40 (flexible)Scollarship5 000 PLN nett of scollarship = ~1200 Euro (incresed after midterm evaluation)and ~800 PLN gross = ~200 Euro employmentPosition starts on1.02.2025It is possible to start ealier (as internship)Maximum planned period of contract agreement4 years (with possible extension up to 5 years)Career development prospects at IPC PASThe successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with spectroscopy, nanophotonics, nanotechnology, physics, material sciences, and physical chemistry, so any candidate profile will find some new knowledge to be gained upon the realisation of the project.Parts of the project are planned to be realized in collaboration with scientific partners in Germany, the USA, and Spain, which will provide opportunities for international scientific collaboration.The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition.Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.For more information: sgawinkowski@ichf.edu.pl