Research Associate in Impulsive Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

The research involves conducting femtosecond time resolved Impulsive Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (ISRS) of photosynthesis and small model systems. The ultrafast spectroscopy laboratory offers extensive capabilities for femtosecond laser spectroscopy including a non-collinear optical parametric amplifier (NOPA). ISRS capabilities will be extended to fifth order with the addition of a second short pulse light source.

What you would be doing:

You will be working on developing instrumentation and using NOPA sources for ultrafast time resolved spectroscopy measurements of photosynthetic light harvesting complexes. The goal is to develop a full-time domain description of exciton dynamics using ISRS techniques, and to collaborate with a theory group on the topic of structure-based simulation of quantum dynamics.

What we are looking for:

Your experience includes:

• Hold, or near completion of, a PhD in Physics or Chemistry or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Knowledge of Impulsive Stimulated Raman spectroscopy techniques and theory
• A proven track record in publication of ultrafast spectroscopy in refereed journals
• Experience in using ultrafast spectroscopy techniques
• Knowledge of NOPA short pulse light sources and compression
• Knowledge of non-linear optics and optical setups, computing and data analysis.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The position is available on a fixed term basis for a duration of up to two years, with the possibility of extension. The expected start date is 1 May 2025.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

The project is funded by The Leverhulme Trust.

The group of Professor Jasper van Thor at Imperial College London specialises in ultrafast science and molecular physics, using laser spectroscopy techniques in addition to ultrafast crystallography as well as theory development for ultrafast science. The van Thor group is supported by two dedicated laboratories: The ultrafast laser spectroscopy laboratory at the Life Sciences Department and the Imperial College Laboratory for Ultrafast X-ray Diffraction (LUXD) in the physics department. The post is primarily associated with the laser spectroscopy laboratory but access to equipment in LUXD is possible.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Prof Jasper van Thor, email: j.vanthor@Imperial.ac.uk

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