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**Two PhD positions available** in the physical organic chemistry group of Dr. C. Merten at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany (www.rub.de/chirality). *Project 1: Enantiodiscrimination via halogen bonding* Halogen bonds (XBs) occur between the electrophilic end of a carbon-halogen bond and Lewis bases and are predicted to be potentially as strong as hydrogen bonds. they are of constantly growing interest as directing interactions in catalysis and supramolecular chemistry. Likewise, they have become important design elements for the development of pharmaceutically active compounds. In this project, we want to combine cryospectroscopy with VCD measurements, which invovles the measurement of VCD spectra for solutions of chiral solutes in liquid rare gases. These experimentes will bring us into the unique situation of being able to characterize the stereochemical aspects of the interaction of chiral XB-donors and acceptors in solution phase without interference with potentially stronger solute-solvent interactions. *Project 2: Matrix-isolation VCD spectroscopy* The isolation of molecules in solid rare gas matrices is frequently used to study photochemical reactions such as photo-isomerizations or photofragmentation reactions. We have combined the MI-technique with VCD spectroscopy and recently shown that MI-VCD spectra can be recorded for photoisomerization products of chiral molecules (ANIE 56 (2017) 1925). In this project, we want to study chiral reactive intermediates such as carbenes and investigate the influence of the intermediate's spin state on its VCD spectra. *Requirements* Both projects are interdisciplinary and require both spectroscopic developments as well as organic synthesis of the investigated molecules. The candidate will continue the development of CryoVCD spectroscopy and run VCD measurements on chiral XB-systems. In the second project, the candiate will carry out photochemical reactions under MI-conditions and record the MI-VCD spectra of the resulting products. Hence, for both projects some experience with vibrational spectroscopy and DFT-based spectra calculations will be beneficial. The candidates will also perform organic synthesis of chiral XB-donors and -acceptors or photochemically reactive molecules by following mainly published procedures. Suitable candidates should have a solid background in physical or physical organic chemistry and be interested in experimental laboratory work on the interface between organic chemistry and spectroscopy. The candidates should be highly self-motivated and good teamworkers. Any enquiries as well as applications with all usual documents (certificates, transcripts, ....), a meaningful motivation letter for either of the projects and contact details of 2-3 referees should be send by email to: [log in to unmask] Applications received until Oct 1st, 2018, will be considered. -- Dr. Christian Merten Ruhr-University Bochum Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry 44801 Bochum, Germany Phone: +49 234 32 24529 Email: [log in to unmask] Web: www.rub.de/chirality ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the SPECTROSCOPY-GROUP list, click the following link: https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SPECTROSCOPY-GROUP&A=1