A post-doctoral research position is open in the VUV beamline DESIRS group at Synchrotron SOLEIL, on a PEPICO/molecular beam machine.
UPSaclay STAR φ – Environment
The DESIRS Beamline
The DESIRS beamline, covering the 5-40 eV range with very high resolution and variable polarization aims at studying gas phase VUV high resolution spectroscopy and polarization-dependent molecular and photoionization dynamics. (L. Nahon et al., J. Synchrotron Rad. 19, 508 (2012)
DESIRS | French national synchrotron facility
On one branch of the beamline is connected a versatile molecular beam chamber, SAPHIRS, for the study of gaseous, liquid and solid samples as well as nanoparticles. It is equipped with a double imaging electron/ion coincidence i2PEPICO spectrometer (G. A. Garcia et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 84, 053112 (2013); Tang et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 86, 123108 (2015)), coupling a VMI spectrometer for the electrons with a 3D momentum imaging spectrometer on the ion side.
UPSaclay STAR φ – Research Areas
The candidate will be involved in one or more of the scientific programs developed on this branch, for which he/she is expected to propose a sound personal contribution, including:
- VUV photodynamics (spectroscopy, fragmentation and photoionization) of size-selected molecular complexes and clusters via TPEPICO, Angle-Resolved PEPICO and e–/ion energy correlations.
- Probing chemical reactions intermediates and final products generated inside different gas phase reactors—notably a room-temperature fast flow tube but also other combustion/oxidation/catalysis environments—by i2PEPICO-based spectroscopies.
- High resolution Angle-Resolved Photoelectron spectroscopy to probe photoionization dynamics on small molecular systems including radicals.
- Fundamental photoemission processes of pure and functionalized nanoparticles using Angle-Resolved photoemission
- Detection and physico-chemical characterization of secondary organic aerosols of atmospheric interest via thermodesorption, possibly including enantiomeric excess determination by PECD
Besides this in-house research program, the candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in the collaborative hosting of international external user teams on the SAPHIRS branch with whom we have established collaborations. This is a great opportunity for the candidate to build their own scientific network. He/she will also be involved in instrumental developments in connection with the scientific project to be co-built between the candidate and the beamline team.
Profile of the candidates
The candidate is expected to hold a PhD in Physics or Chemical Physics or Chemistry. A solid background in either gas phase molecular dynamics/spectroscopy, gas phase matter/light interaction or gas phase chemical reactivity / combustion processes is required. Experience in electron and/or ion mass spectroscopy associated with molecular/effusive beams or chemical reactors would be a clear asset. Previous expertise in handling/producing challenging samples such as radicals, biomolecules or aerosols/nanoparticles would be a plus. Experience in synchrotron radiation and/or coincidence techniques and/or imaging techniques is not mandatory but will be positively considered.
Knowledge of French is not required, but a fluent level of spoken and written English is mandatory.
Recruited researchers can be of any nationality but must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the last three years.
Our Supervisors
Dr Laurent Nahon (HDR) is the DESIRS beamline group leader with a field of expertise covering VUV photodynamics in isolated species (cold molecules, clusters, trapped ionic biopolymers and nanoparticles), as well as in condensed matter samples (thin films, ices), PECD and chirality, astrochemistry, exotic sample handling and polarimetry. He has supervised 7 PhD students, 16 post-docs.
For a complete bibliography, see https://scholar.google.fr/citations?hl=fr&user=1HvUXKEAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
Dr Gustavo Garcia is beamline scientist on DESIRS, expert in spectroscopy / fragmentation of molecular cations including radicals and clusters, PECD, chemical reactivity, e-/ion coincidences and imaging techniques. He has supervised 1 PhD student and 3 post-docs and co-supervised many more.
For a complete bibliography, see https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2915-2553
Submit a proposal
For more information, visit the project web site UPSaclay STAR φ – Become a STAR φ Fellow!
Application forms and procedures: How to apply – UPSaclay STAR φ
For more information
Contact: Laurent Nahon
