The Ultrafast Chiral Dynamics Laboratory at University of Basel, led by Prof. Malte Oppermann, develops and applies time-resolved laser spectroscopy techniques to capture both the structural and electronic evolution of chiral molecular systems during their (bio-)chemical activity in real-time. We are looking for a creative and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in ultrafast spectroscopy and photochemistry to join our interdisciplinary team and to investigate the structural dynamics of proton-driven chiral molecular motors. 

The position is fully funded for 2.5 years with a starting date envisaged for 1 June 2026, but this is flexible.

Project background

To capture molecular dynamics in real-time, our team has developed a new spectroscopic approach: we use broadband circularly polarized laser pulses to capture changes in the structural symmetry of molecules, called chirality, to resolve the encoded conformational dynamics with femtosecond time resolution [1]. This has opened the path to resolve the structural dynamics of (bio-)molecular systems [2] and to study the chirality of electronic excited states for controlling photochemical processes [3]. This project will build on these developments to capture the switching mechanism of newly-developed proton-driven molecular motors and to demonstrate the uni-directionality of their motion. This research is funded by the Multilateral Academic Projects (MAPS) program of the Swiss National Science Foundation, which supports interdisciplinary science through the combined expertise and knowledge exchange of international research consortia.

Molecular motors are envisaged as the fundamental building blocks of functional machines on the nanoscale: single molecules capable of well-defined, uni-directional conformational motions, which are controlled by external stimuli such as light, pH, and oxidation/reduction reactions. Importantly, uni-directional switching can be achieved via molecular chirality, which introduces a directional bias in the associated conformational dynamics. However, tailoring their switching behaviour to the demands of promising applications such as responsive nanomaterials or targeted drug delivery, requires the development of bespoke motor architectures that are highly robust, scalable, and energy-efficient. Towards this goal, our research consortium will develop a new type of molecular motor, based on a proto-driven switching mechanism, called tautomerism, which has thus far remained underexplored in motor designs, despite its favorable switching dynamics. To achieve this, we are combining the complementary expertise of three academic research teams: 1) high-level modelling and design of high-performance tautomeric switches (Prof. L. Antonov, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), 2) advanced asymmetric organic synthesis to introduce molecular chirality to the target designs (Prof. M. Matache, University of Bucharest), and 3) state-of-the-art ultrafast and chiral spectroscopy to determine the switching dynamics and to demonstrate uni-directional motion (Prof. M. Oppermann, University of Basel). Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aim to deliver the first proton-driven molecular motor, whose switching mechanism promises fast rotation speeds, exceptional fatigue resistance and reliable remote switching control via light irradiation.

1. M. Oppermann, B. Bauer, T. Rossi, F. Zinna, J. Helbing, J. Lacour, and M. Chergui, Optica 6, 1, 56-60 (2019), link.
2. M. Oppermann, J. Spekowius, B. Bauer, R. Pfister, M. Chergui, and J. Helbing, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 10, 11, 2700-2705 (2019), link.
3. M. Oppermann, F. Zinna, J. Lacour, and M. Chergui, Nat. Chem. 14, 739-745 (2022), link

Your position

The candidate will employ existing ultrafast spectroscopy techniques (ultrafast transient absorption, transient anisotropy, and time-resolved circular dichroism in the ultraviolet-visible regime) to assess the suitability, functionality, and performance of available prototype molecules, which will directly inform the design and synthesis of suitable target compounds by the project partners. On this basis, the candidate will determine the switching mechanisms and performance of the most promising target designs and demonstrate their uni-directional motion via time-resolved circular dichroism measurements. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the group’s ongoing research on chiral molecular motors driven by a cis-trans photo-isomerization mechanism.

The position is fully funded for 2.5 years with a starting date envisaged for 1 June 2026, but this is flexible.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and pro-active candidate with a Ph.D. in physics or chemistry and research experience in ultrafast spectroscopy and photochemistry. Our research is highly collaborative, so we strive for an inclusive, supportive, and enthusiastic work environment that values a team with diverse interests and personal backgrounds (for further details, please see the Diversity & Inclusion Principles of University of Basel).

For this position, skills and experience in the following areas would be especially valuable assets:

• Hands-on experience in ultrafast laser spectroscopy
• Research experience in photochemistry or -physics
• Data analysis with common programming languages such as Matlab or Python
• Hardware control via LabView, Matlab, Python or similar
• Research project management and student supervision

We offer

• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative work environment in a young research group
• State-of-the-art ultrafast spectroscopy equipment and research infrastructure
• Coaching and support for personal career development
• Excellent salary, benefits and working conditions following Swiss university standards
• Basel offers a truly international environment, bordering with France and Germany, a wide range of cultural activities and an exceptional quality of life

Application and contact

Please send your application to our group's email address group-oppermann@clutterunibas.ch as a single pdf file containing the following items:

• A motivation letter that describes your suitability for the position (maximum one A4 page)
• Your curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• Scanned transcripts of your university transcripts and diplomas including grades
• The names and contact details of three referees that can recommend you

The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.