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The objective of the proposed research is to understand and utilize the interactions between metallic nanoparticles and adjacent molecular systems when either is in a "dark" electronic state. In molecules, these dark states, such as the triplet state, can be harnessed to control the reactivity and photostability of chemical substances. For nanoparticles, dark modes—higher-order modes that are optically invisible when the nanoparticles are much smaller than the wavelength of light—play a crucial role in determining the local electromagnetic field distribution and its dynamics. These fields can profoundly impact nearby molecules' spectroscopy, photophysics, and photochemistry. Both types of dark states are challenging to detect optically but are of significant importance in the fields of photochemistry and nanophotonics. Therefore, there is a growing demand for simple, cost-effective methods to detect and characterize these states. In this project, we propose a novel methodology for detecting and spectroscopically visualizing dark states in both chemical molecules and nanoparticles. This approach relies on measurements of Raman scattering and luminescence excitation profiles.

The development and application of this methodology will enable us to study how metallic nanoparticles influence the electronic states of adjacent molecules and how the excitation of these "dark" modes can be leveraged to control chemical reactivity and processes.

The post-doc is expected to independently design, plan and conduct experiments. In addition, he/she will oversee the work of the PhD and MSc students.

Responsibilities:

•   Microspectroscopy measurements with high spectral and temporal resolutions: fluorescence, phosphorescence, and SERS measurements in spectral and temporal domains. Primarily working on the imaging and spectroscopic characterization of dark states of nanostructures.

•   Numerical analysis and interpretation of collected data.

•   Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary administrative tasks

•   Managing project's tasks for its successful completion

Dissemination of research results at team and project meetings, in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of around 9 500 per month financed from the NCN Sonata BIS 13 Project No. 2023/50/E/ST4/00600 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project.

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with spectroscopy, nanophotonics, nanotechnology, physics, material sciences, and physical chemistry, so any candidate profile will find some new knowledge to be gained upon the realisation of the project.

Parts of the project are planned to be realized in collaboration with scientific partners in Germany, the USA, and Spain, which will provide opportunities for international scientific collaboration.

The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

•             PhD degree in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, sciences, or similar, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project, and no later than the start date of employment in the project.

For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules

Additionally, the candidate for the postdoctoral position must meet the following condition: they did not have the principal investigator as their research supervisor or auxiliary supervisor of their PhD dissertation.

•             Good publication record and scientific experience.

•             Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

•             Significant research achievements in at least one of the following disciplines: spectroscopy, microscopy, nanophotonics, or plasmonics. Experience in nonlinear optics or spectroscopy, and programming would be beneficial.

•             Profound knowledge of molecular photophysics and spectroscopy.

•             Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).

•             Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

• competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project (max 75 points),
• previous scientific achievements of candidates (max 20 points),
• awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research (max 5 points).