Postdoctoral Fellow (SwissFEL)

Role Overview

This position involves investigating ultrafast structural dynamics in small molecule crystals through time-resolved Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (sm-SFX) at SwissFEL, in partnership with the Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics (CARD) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize experimental setups for time-resolved sm-SFX.
• Conduct femtosecond pump-probe measurements.
• Acquire high-quality diffraction data.
• Maintain and improve the experimental system to ensure stable and reproducible performance.
• Troubleshoot issues related to the beamline and sample delivery systems in collaboration with team members.
• Present findings at international conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and characteristics:

• A PhD in chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in ultrafast science or molecular X-ray techniques, including small-molecule X-ray liquidography and crystallography.
• Desirable experience with XFEL experiments or femtosecond laser systems.
• Familiarity with time-resolved experimental systems, including the development of crystal sample delivery methods for serial X-ray experiments.
• Capability to design experiments to acquire high-quality ultrafast time-resolved data at XFEL facilities.
• Excellent data analysis skills, particularly in handling large time-resolved datasets.
• Strong enthusiasm for uncovering molecular reaction mechanisms at the atomic scale.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and idea sharing in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment.

What We Offer

Join an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaborative environment. Benefit from systematic on-the-job training alongside personal development opportunities.

We support a healthy work-life balance through modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure.

Your contract is initially set for 2 years, with a potential extension to 3 years.