L.S.,

Recently, a PhD position has become available on a collaborative project
between the group 2D Vibrational Spectroscopy of Dr. S. Woutersen (FOM
Institute AMOLF) and the group Molecular Excited States of Prof. W.J. Buma
and Dr. A.M. Brouwer (University of Amsterdam), in close collaboration with
the EC-funded EMMMA ("Exploiting Mechanical Motion of Molecular
Architectures") Research Training Network. We would be most grateful if you
coulddraw the attention of possible candidates to this position.

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Research / Job description The research project is concerned with the
conformational dynamics of mechanically interlocked supramolecular systems:
molecules that are composed of two or more non-covalently bound parts.
Because of the non-covalent bonding between the interlocked parts,
supramolecular systems have unique intra-translational and -rotational
degrees of freedom, that can be addressed with optical and electrical
stimuli. They are therefore considered to be ideal building blocks for new
generations of nanomachines and smart materials. Examples of supramolecular
systems that we investigate are rotaxanes, molecules consisting of a ring
locked onto a thread by two bulky stoppers. The ring can rotate around and
shuttle along the thread, and both of these motions can be optically
triggered. It has been shown that in this way, rotaxanes can act as
molecular pistons, converting light into mechanical energy.

You will investigate the conformational dynamics of rotaxanes and other
supramolecular systems with femtosecond two-dimensional vibrational
spectroscopy. This will enable you to explore the conformation and
equilibrium conformational fluctuations of these molecules. Combining
ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy with optical stimuli that trigger
intramolecular motions (for instance shuttling or circumrotation of the
ring), will allow you to observe these motions in a time-resolved way.
Since such motions are hindered by the non-covalent bonds, these
experiments will probe the phenomenon of friction on a molecular scale.
Similar studies will also be performed at the nanosecond timescale.

The project will be performed in the group 2D Vibrational Spectroscopy of
Dr. S. Woutersen (FOM Institute AMOLF) and the group Molecular Excited
States of Prof. W.J. Buma and Dr. A.M. Brouwer (University of Amsterdam),
in close collaboration with the EC-funded EMMMA ("Exploiting Mechanical
Motion of Molecular Architectures") Research Training Network.

About the group Two-dimensional Vibrational Spectroscopy:
http://www.amolf.nl/research/2d_vibrational_spectroscopy/index.html
Molecular Excited States: http://www.science.uva.nl/research/imc/index.html

Required qualifications We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a
strong background in experimental physics or physical chemistry. Experience
with lasers is an advantage but not explicitly required.

Because of the appointment rules of the European Community, the applicant
must be a national of a European Community Member State (except The
Netherlands) or an Associated State (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the
Republic of Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and
Slovenia), or they must have resided in the Community for at least five
years immediately prior to their appointment in the network. If the
applicant has carried out activities in The Netherlands, this should not be
more than 12 of the 24 months immediately prior to an appointment.

Terms of employment The position is intended as full-time (38 hours/week,
12 month/year) appointment in the service of the Foundation for Fundamental
Research on Matter (FOM). FOM Institute AMOLF assists any new foreign
employees with housing and visa applications and compensates their
transport costs and furnishing expenses. PhD-students are funded for four
years, with a starting salary of € 1.668,= gross per month. A training and
supervision plan will be drawn up, stipulating the aims and content of the
proposed research project and the teaching obligations involved. The
OIO/Graduate student position should result in a PhD.

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For further information please contact:  Dr. Sander Woutersen
FOM Institute AMOLF
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Phone: +31-(0)20-6081234

Prof. Wybren Jan Buma
University of Amsterdam
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Phone: +31-(0)20-525 6973/6421


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Applications can be sent to: Personnel Department
FOM Institute AMOLF
Postbus 41883, 1009 DB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Please quote vacancy # 0403.1700
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