PhD Student Position in Ultrafast Vibrational Spectroscopy of CO2 Reduction Catalysts

A PhD position is available at the Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Switzerland. The general topic of the group's work is the structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems, investigated by ultrafast vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as transient-IR spectroscopy, 2D IR spectroscopy or 2D Raman-THz spectroscopy. A recent technological advancement extends the accessible time scales from picoseconds to seconds, enabling us to study the course of chemical reactions from their very beginning to their final outcome. Spectroscopic applications of our techniques cover a wide spectrum of chemical sciences, ranging from artificial photosynthesis to the dynamics of allosteric proteins. In the particular PhD project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, you will elucidate the complex reaction cycles of molecular CO2 reduction catalyst in homogeneous solution, as well as those of catalytic surfaces, by (mostly) time-resolved IR spectroscopy. The project will be a continuation of our previous work, examples of which you can find in the following publications:

• R. Fernández-Terán and P. Hamm, A Closer Look into the Distance Dependence of Vibrational Energy Transfer on Surfaces Using 2D ATR-IR Spectroscopy, J. Chem. Phys., 2020, 153, 154706
• S. Aranda-Ruiz, L. Tatarashvili, K. Oppelt, and P. Hamm, Unveiling the Activation Pathway of the CO2 reduction catalyst Trans-(Cl)-[Ru(X,X'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)(CO)2Cl2] by Direct Spectroscopic Observation, ACS Catal., 2025, 15, 3023-3037
• L. Tatarashvili, N. von Fellenberg, K. Oppelt, and P. Hamm, Monomer and Dimer Pathways of Earth-abundant Manganese Tricarbonyl Pre-catalysts for CO2 Reduction Studied by Time-Resolved IR Spectroscopy, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2026, 28, 2281-2293

Your responsibilities

Integrated in an international research group consisting of a mix of PhD students and postdocs, and of Chemist and Physicist, you will first adapt existing experimental instrumentation to the specific needs of the planned experiments, prepare/synthesize the required molecules and then pursue the laser-based spectroscopic measurements.

Your profile

The successful candidate must hold a Master's degree in Chemistry or a closely related field. Besides a solid background in Physical Chemistry, basic knowledge of electrochemistry and organometallic synthesis will be required.

Information on your application

We offer excellent research conditions in a brand-new laboratory building, above-average salaries, the high quality of life in the city of Zurich and its surroundings, as well as the possibility to work in fascinating interdisciplinary research fields.

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file including a motivation letter, a CV and copies of degrees. The motivation letter should make reference to the above mentioned publications (i.e., why are you interested in that particular position).

Wir bieten

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing), Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
• Learning and Development: Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich, Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
• Food: Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias, Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
• Healthcare: Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ, Free seasonal flu vaccinations, Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
• Discounts: Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space, Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions, Special conditions on hotel reservations
• Conditions of Employment: Policies of the UZH, Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
• International Services: Support for people from outside Switzerland
• Campuses: Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren, Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg