Postdoctoral Position in Multifunctional Oxo Clusters; Mechanisms and Properties

University of Zurich Department of Chemistry

Switzerland

Department of Chemistry

Postdoctoral Position: Multifunctional Oxo Clusters – Mechanisms and Properties
80 %

Prof. Dr. Greta Patzke's research group (please find further information here)is looking for a creative chemist with expertise in the synthesis and structural characterization of functional transition metal oxo clusters (TMOCs) and/or polyoxometalates (POMs).

Your responsibilities

The position will explore unknown frontiers of TMOC formation processes as a key to predictive inorganic materials design. The newly synthesized TMOCs will be further screened for their bio-active and catalytic properties, and they will be converted into novel, green composite materials.

Materials discovery. The assembly mechanisms of organically ligated TMOCs as building blocks for new materials are widely unknown. The project will start with the (combinatorial) screening of ligands and tuned counter ions to generate functional TMOCs, while systematically investigating their key formation parameters.
Cluster assembly mechanisms. As a central part of the project, the precise formation mechanisms of interesting TMOCs will be monitored. To this end, access to manifold analytical and spectroscopic methods (AFM, Raman, fluorescence spectroscopy, EPR, XPS...) will be provided. The project will benefit from the availability of a new in house X-ray absorption spectroscopy setup, complemented with in situ/operando XAS experiments at international synchrotron facilities for mechanistic investigations.
Applications. Anticancer and antibacterial properties of the newly designed TMOCs/POMs and their biocompatible composites will be further investigated within UZH collaborations. Water splitting performances can be routinely assessed within the multi-disciplinary University of Zurich Research Priority Program on Solar Light to Chemical Energy Conversion (please find further information here).

Your profile

We look forward to a motivated and creative team member holding a PhD degree in inorganic chemistry and a strong background in structural chemistry/crystallography. Experience in X-ray absorption spectroscopy is welcome.

What we offer

We offer access to completely new laboratories and international networking for career development.

Place of work

University of Zurich, Department of Chemistry, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich

Start of employment

starting date: February 2022 or upon agreement.
The application must contain a CV/publication list, transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a short motivation letter.