Fully funded PhD Student Position in Physical Chemistry

We are seeking an outstanding candidate for a PhD student position in experimental physical chemistry to work with the Ambizione group leader Dr. Bogdan Dereka. We are broadly interested in the following fundamental research directions (some exemplary references are provided):
i) Battery electrolytes (see J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 8591)
ii) Hydrogen bonds (see Science 2021, 371, 160)
iii) Unconventional photochemistry (see Nature Commun. 2020, 11, 1925)
iv) Catalysis on surfaces and at the interfaces

Your responsibilities

We are a young and ambitious group aiming to understand the fundamental chemical phenomena and reactivity in liquids and at interfaces that are of immense interest in many fields of basic and applied science and technology. We are located in a brand-new world-class research building and take advantage of the unique beyond state-of-the-art laser spectroscopy infrastructure developed over the years by the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Peter Hamm with whom we are closely interacting. You will have an opportunity to gain technical expertise and perform complex experiments that are available only in 1-3 places in the entire world.

You will be working in a vibrant international group of young talented scientists in a highly interdisciplinary inspiring environment. Collaboration is an indispensable part of our research. We are currently collaborating with multiple theoretical and experimental research groups across fields and countries all around the world.

Your profile

The candidate is expected to hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry/Physics/interdisciplinary Natural Sciences or a closely related field. Ultimately, it is YOUR interests, talents and aspirations that will determine which of these directions you will be pursuing during your PhD. To be successful you should demonstrate proven academic excellence and passion for research, be ambitious, driven by curiosity and think outside of the box. You must have strong independent learning skills and be open to growth. Strong command of English is required in both oral and written communication. Expertise in programming/spectroscopy/surface science/electrochemistry is welcome.

What we offer

You will have opportunities to develop various soft skills necessary for a future scientist and present your research at national and international scholarly meetings. Career planning and counseling are provided.

Outside of the lab, Zurich is one of the most comfortable cities to live in and features one of the best standards of living worldwide. Your salary is determined by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Your gross salary per year starts from CHF 49'855.

Place of work

University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland

Start of employment

We are committed to diversity in all its forms and welcome students from all countries. We encourage excellent candidates to apply regardless of their nationality, race, skin color, gender or any other personal identities.

Please submit your application as a single pdf file. The application materials should include: CV, motivation letter/statement of research interests and experience, academic transcripts, names of at least two references who will send letters of recommendation directly to Dr. Dereka upon request.

Consideration of applications starts immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date is flexible and will be determined upon agreement.

Further information

Dr. Bogdan Dereka