Marie Sklodowska Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher Openings in Chemical Physics

Applications are invited for 12 early stage researcher vacancies as part of the EU-funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN), “ASPIRE”. All posts benefit from a highly competitive and attractive salary, plus mobility and family allowances as applicable. Successful candidates will pursue research in one of nine partner laboratories across Europe and can expect to obtain a PhD. Candidates will take part in laboratory-based research, a network-wide training program, public engagement activities and collaboration with network partners through short-term secondments (up to 9 months in total) in European industrial/academic partner laboratories. Specific details of available projects and full application details for each position can be found at: http://www.ASPIRE-ITN.eu. Different deadlines apply to each position but candidates are advised to apply early.

The partner institutions within this network are: The University of Nottingham, Roentdek, Goethe University Frankfurt, Photek, Universite Paris-Sud, Synchrotron SOLEIL, Aarhus University, CNR-IFN and Politecnico di Milano and the Max Born Institute, Berlin.

The overarching research goal of the ASPIRE project is the measurement of “molecular frame” (MF) photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) from isolated molecules of varying complexity. Individual projects in ASPIRE will involve the use of charged particle detection technology as well as either state-of-the-art laser systems or synchrotron radiation. Progress in this area of research is highly technologically driven, and the input of private company partners is critical to the scientific objectives, as well as to the enhanced training environment that will be provided.

The successful candidates for these posts will possess an excellent Master’s degree in a relevant subject (Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Physics), excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the potential to conduct independent scientific research and perform well as part of a research team. Candidates will be required to meet the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria (p40-41). In particular, at the time of appointment candidates must have had less than four years full-time equivalent research experience and must not have already obtained a PhD. Additionally, they must not have resided in the host nation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the appointment.

These full-time posts will be available from September 2016 and are each offered on a fixed-term 36 month contract.