Doctoral student in Chemical Physics (Understanding fundamental photophysical properties of DNA- templated silver nanoclusters)

Subject description

DNA-templated silver nanoclusters have come into prominence, because of their fascinating properties, including strong absorption and intense emission. These and other properties can be readily tuned by changing DNA sequence. The combination of desirable properties and tunability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications from biosensing to nanophotonics. Surprisingly, the photophysical properties of these complexes are still very poorly understood, and we aspire to remedy this deficiency. We will use advanced time-resolved spectroscopy (and potentially microscopy) techniques to systematically study these complexes with the aim to understand their fundamental properties. The gained knowledge, besides unraveling fundamental photophysics describing electronic structure and dynamics of this class of systems, should also enable us to guide the synthesis of future AgN-DNAs for targeted applications. The synthesis of these complexes will be done by our collaborators at the University of Copenhagen and spectroscopic studies will be aided by quantum chemistry calculations by theory collaborators.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include a little bit of teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The candidate will have to learn basic theoretical background and experimental implementation of the two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES). The project will involve the further development of the existing 2DES setup to employ recently generated broadband pulses. By employing the 2DES technique, the systematically chosen DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgN-DNA), synthesised and purified by our synthesis collaborators, will be investigated. Obtained data will be analysed with the existing analysis programs. The main goal is to understand the fundamental photophysical properties of these fascinating complexes. In the long run, the project envisions arranging AgN-DNAs in well-controlled patterns, for example using 3D DNA structures to lay the ground for nanophotonic applications.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Chemical Physics if the applicant has:

• A minimum of 120 credits are to derive from courses in science or engineering e.g. chemistry or physics, of which at least 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project (or equivalent) in chemical physics, physical chemistry or a closely related specialisation. The specific entry requirements can also be fulfilled through an equivalent programme. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Hands on experience with ultrashort pulse lasers and time-resolved spectroscopy.
• Basic knowledge of the non-linear spectroscopy theory.
• Familiarity with complex data analysis.
• Programming skills (for example, Matlab, LabView or Python).

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).