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The project’s primary goal is to develop the methodology of monitoring single entities’ vibrational spectra with time-resolved SERS spectroscopy and apply the technique to analyse intra- and inter-molecular dynamics. It will be realised by applying a new detection scheme of temporal changes in the SERS spectra and then the correlation of measured temporal evolution of SERS spectra with quantum-chemical simulations of polarizability tensors of molecules located in the specific plasmonic environment. Direct comparison of collection of simulated spectra of the molecule for all possible orientations and distortions, which can be predicted with the measured temporal evolution of SERS spectra, should uncover the dynamics of such a molecule. It will be applied for both the relatively long-term (the time scale of microseconds) and the ultrafast (femtosecond) molecular processes (e.g. relative translation and rotation of the molecule in the vicinity of nanoparticles and in the strong electric field; chemical reactions in the plasmonic environment; etc.)

• Designing, planning, and carrying out numerical simulations with the quantum chemistry methods (ab initio, DFT) and correlation of them with the experimental data.
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences;
• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary administrative tasks.

The successful candidate is expected to start work within the project on the 1st of October 2021. It is possible to delay the starting date in the justified case but no longer than until 1st December 2021). 100% of the work time will be devoted to the realisation of the project. There are no teaching obligations. The postdoc would have access to supercomputer and specialized software in the Institute and on supercomputer of Poland (Polish Grid infrastructure).

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with 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.

We plan to publish the results of the work in high-impact factor journals.

The successful candidate will be able to take advantage of all programs in the IPC PAS, including Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition and Mobility of Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition. The Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ program.

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, or sciences, obtained no earlier than 7 years before the starting year of the employment in the project (this period might be longer due to family reasons (according to NCN rules).
• Good publication record and scientific experience.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a group.
• Significant research achievements in quantum chemical simulations.
• Knowledge of the theory of Raman spectroscopy.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).
• Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.
• Research experience in related fields will be advantageous.
• A post-doc type post is a full-time post, scheduled by the project’s principal investigator for a person who has obtained their PhD degree within 7 years before joining the project. This period may be extended by a time of long-term (in excess of 90 days) documented sick leaves or rehabilitation leaves granted on account of being unfit to work. In addition, the period may be extended by the number of months of a child care leave granted pursuant to the Labour Code and in the case of women, by 18 months for every child born or adopted, whichever manner of accounting for career breaks is preferable. The candidate is not eligible to apply if his/her doctoral degree has been awarded by the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS (see competition documentation of the National Science Center (NCS) for the OPUS 20).

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project (max 60 points),

b) previous scientific achievements of candidates (max 30 points),

c) awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research (10 points).

The commission evaluates applications on a point scale (max 100 points).