Two post-doctoral positions in theoretical chemistry are available in the group of Dr Damien Laage at Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, France.

Both positions are for an initial duration of one year, with possible extensions up to three years.
Ecole Normale Supérieure offers a rich interdisciplinary high-level research environment and is ideally located in the Parisian Latin quarter. Speaking French is not required to work and live in Paris.
Details about the group and the research projects can be found at www1.chimie.ens.fr/theorie/
Applicants should send a letter of motivation and a curriculum vitae along with the names of at least two referees to damien.laage [@] ens.fr

Postdoc 1: Enzyme catalysis in organic solvents
Enzymes are remarkably efficient catalysts and their recent use in non-aqueous organic solvents is opening a tremendous range of applications in synthetic chemistry. However, a key challenge for these applications is to overcome the greatly reduced catalytic activity compared to aqueous conditions.
Through analytic modeling and numerical simulations, this project aims at providing an atomic-scale detailed description of enzyme catalysis in organic solvents, including the key role of the solvent environment. This molecular insight will be used to design rigorous new procedures for the rational engineering of systems with dramatically enhanced activities, both through optimized choices of solvents and additives, and through targeted protein mutations.
Candidates should have extensive experience with molecular dynamics simulation techniques and quantum chemistry calculations. Prior experience with biological systems and mixed quantum/classical (QM/MM) techniques is highly desirable.
This project is supported by the European Research Council (ERC) through a Starting Grant.

Postdoc 2: Probing vibrational energy transfer through 2D-IR spectroscopy
The successful candidate will work on an exciting theory-experiment collaborative project involving the groups of Dr. Damien Laage (ENS Paris), Prof. Ward H. Thompson (Univ. Kansas, Lawrence) and Prof. Thomas Elsaesser (MBI Berlin).
The research project aims at developing new theoretical approaches to calculate two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectra in the presence of intermolecular vibrational energy transfer; these will be applied to the understanding of recent pioneering 2D-IR spectra on hydrated biomolecules including DNA, in order to derive a molecular understanding of the heat dissipation mechanism in hydrated DNA.
Candidates should have extensive experience with molecular dynamics simulation techniques, especially in complex, strongly interacting systems. Prior experience with biological systems is highly desirable. Further, a solid background in modern vibrational spectroscopy is a plus.
This project is supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR).

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