Postdoc in theoretical, numerical, and experimental development of pulsed DNP experiments

A 2-year postdoc position is available in theoretical, numerical and experimental development of multiple-pulse methods for dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) in the group of Prof. Niels Chr. Nielsen at the Danish Center for Ultrahigh-Field NMR spectroscopy.

The center is housed at the in the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) at Aarhus University.

The position is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

This is a 2–year postdoc position from September 1st, 2024 or as soon possible.


Project Goals and Tasks

The project seeks to combine excellence in pulse sequence design (theory, software, experiments) with low-field EPR/DNP equipment with fast waveform generation moving the boundaries for dynamic nuclear polarization in terms of sensitivity and information content.
Your task is:

• Development of rf/microwave pulse sequences for DNP
• Implement and demonstrate the methods in instrumentally feasible experimental EPR/DNP procedures
• Apply the methods to obtain insight into molecular structure/function or quantum sensing phenomena in practice

 

Qualifications and conditions of employment

Applicants should hold a PhD degree in chemistry or physics with specialization in NMR and practical experience with EPR/DNP experiments.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in pulse sequence engineering, including theoretical and numerical optimization procedures, as well as practical experimental experience in setting up EPR/DNP/NMR experiments. It is also relevant that the candidate has experience in programming, e.g., matlab, matematica, c, c++.
The postdoc will be part of a research team working on DNP method development and applications, implying that in addition to proven individual scientific excellence a collaborative mindset and good skills in English (oral and written) is required. The candidate should be independent, creative, and dependable.

Minor involvement in teaching activities may be solicited.
 

Research environment

The Danish Center for Ultra High Field NMR Spectroscopy at Aarhus University offers a stimulating research environment, covering complementary research activities in the area of liquid-state NMR, solid-state NMR, high-field MRI, hyperpolarization (DNP and parahydrogen), and low-field NMR.
The lab is equipped with state-of- the-art spectrometers operating at 950 MHz, 700 MHz, 500 MHz, and 400 MHz and a world-class homebuild (X-band) pulsed DNP/EPR instrument.
The NMR research is embedded within the Department of Chemistry ( chem.au.dk) and the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center ( inano.au.dk). Aarhus University provides a strong international research and training environment with excellent professional and private conditions.
Foreign employees can get help and information from the AU International Center ( au.dk/en/internationalcentre) and Work in Denmark ( workindenmark.dk). Tax reduction schemes for researchers may apply.
For information about our laboratory, activities and recent publications please follow these links:Link to the Danish Center for Ultrahigh Field NMR Spectroscopy
Link to the homepage of Prof. Niels Chr. Nielsen


The department/centre offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment, including a state-of-the-art pulsed EPR/DNP instrument being central for the position.
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

 

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is the iNANO House, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. 


For further information:

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Professor Niels Chr. Nielsen, +4528992541, [email protected].
 


Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.


Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.


Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
 


Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/