A motivated and enthusiastic candidate is sought for a fully-funded PhD in Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics that will use ultrafast lasers and state-of-the-art vacuum technology to characterise the (femtosecond) excited dynamics in photoswitch molecules important in biological and technological contexts. Briefly, photoswitches are light-responsive molecules that have two or more distinct forms (isomers) possessing different properties.
Understanding the detailed mechanism and efficiency of photoswitches is critical for developing them into applications and for directing the synthesis of improved photoswitches. The project will focus on studying new synthetic versions of the green fluorescent protein chromophore, stilbeneoid photoswitch molecules commonly incorporated in photopharmacology, and light-driven molecular machine actuators in nanotechnology.
The candidate will apply a multifaceted experimental approach, using several variants of gas-phase action spectroscopy, including ion mobility (photoisomerisation) spectrometry, photoelectron spectroscopy and photodissociation spectroscopy and their time-resolved variants. Together, these techniques provide unparalleled insight into the inherent photophysics of the target molecules. We are interested in controlling as many reactant degrees of freedom as possible, including isomeric/conformational form, mass, and temperature. Much of the reactant state selection and control that is achievable in the gas phase, including isolating transient intermediates, is not possible in solution. Comparisons between the dynamics from measurements in the gas phase and in solution to ascertain the impact of the environment will require the PhD candidate to participate in experiments with the secondary supervisor using ultrafast solution-based techniques such as femtosecond transient absorption and fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy. The main responsibility of the successful candidate will be to conduct experiments and to interpret results. All required training on the use of laser systems and scientific instrumentation will be provided.
For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here https://people.uea.ac.uk/james_bull
This is a PhD programme. The start date is 1st October 2021. The mode of study is full time. The studentship length is 3 years.
Entry requirements: First-class masters or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, or Chemical Physics.
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