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Positions / Theses

Research Associate (PhD position)


with 65% part-time employment, limited until December 31, 2024 years, pay group 13 TV-L FU

Identifier: PhD-PSII-2024

Responsibilities: In plants, algae and cyanobacteria, solar energy is used to form energy-rich biomass from water and CO2. This process of O2-forming photosynthesis is fundamental to the biosphere and atmosphere, as well as a model for non-fossil fuel production. The biological process of water splitting will be followed with time resolution (100 ns to seconds) after laser pulse excitation using new methods of infrared spectroscopy. Measurements will be performed on previously prepared photosystems from plants (spinach) and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).

We offer: Opportunity to pursue a PhD in natural sciences in an exciting international environment. Entry into a) the atomic world of biomolecules, b) spectroscopic methods and optical measurement techniques, c) computer-based experiment control, data acquisition and data analysis. Integration into the biophysical Collaborative Research Center (SFB 1078), including integrated PhD training - http://www.sfb1078.de.

Hiring Requirements: Master degree in physics, biology or chemistry.

Desired: Experience in (bio)physical experiments. More important than specialized knowledge are interest and commitment to scientific work in an international team. Ability to actively enter new fields, especially the study of biological processes at the molecular and atomic level and computer-based data acquisition and analysis. Very good Master degree completed no more than one year ago. Confident use of computer systems and good English language skills.

Please send your application with informative documents by 7/7/2021 (later applications also may be considered), quoting the above ID (that is, PhD-PSII-2024), to

Prof. Dr. Holger Dau, Freie Universität Berlin, Fachbereich Physik / Biophysik

c/o Sieglinde Endrias: sieglinde.endrias@fu-berlin.de

Bachelor or Master thesis

  • biophysics / biological photosynthesis

  • energy research / artificial photosynthesis
    (catalysts for non-fossil fuels from water, CO2 and renewable energy)

Maybe your are interested in joining the group as a Bachelor or Master student working on your thesis. Currently, several projects are available. Your thesis work may be either in the field of biological photosynthesis (biophysics) or artificial photosynthesis (energy research).

Contact

Prof. Holger Dau / phone  030/838-53581 / e-mail

Application for PostDoc fellowships

We will support applications for a PostDoc fellowship (e.g., the prestigious and well-funded PostDoc fellowships of the "Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation") provided the applicant:

  • holds a PhD in physics, chemistry or biology (or will get his PhD within the next 8 months),

  • is able to communicate in English efficiently,

  • is scientifically highly qualified (as proven by several excellent publications in international journals),

  • has specific experience in a research area or experimental method related to the research interest of our group (e.g., photosynthesis, solar fuels, water oxidation, X-ray spectroscopy)

  • is highly interested in either (i) biophysical research or (ii) energy research (solar fuels)

  • is highly motivated, and intends to promote his/her academic career by a PostDoc stay in our lab at the Free University in Berlin.

Holger Dau