PhD Student Position in Ultrafast Vibrational Spectroscopy of CO2 Reduction Catalysts

Department of Chemistry

A PhD position is available at the Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Switzerland in the group of Prof. Peter Hamm. The general topic of the group’s work is the structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems, investigated by ultrafast vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as transient-IR spectroscopy, 2D IR spectroscopy or 2D Raman-THz spectroscopy. A recent technological advancement extends the accessible time scales from picoseconds to seconds, enabling us to study the course of chemical reactions from their very beginning to their final outcome. Spectroscopic applications of our techniques cover a wide spectrum of chemical sciences, ranging from artificial photosynthesis to the dynamics of allosteric proteins. In the particular PhD project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, you will elucidate the complex reaction cycles of molecular CO2 reduction catalyst in homogeneous solution, as well as those of catalytic surfaces, by (mostly) time-resolved IR spectroscopy. The project will be a continuation of our previous work, examples of which you can find in the following publications:

• R. Fernández-Terán and P. Hamm, A Closer Look into the Distance Dependence of Vibrational Energy Transfer on Surfaces Using 2D ATR-IR Spectroscopy, J. Chem. Phys., 2020, 153, 154706
• S. Aranda-Ruiz, L. Tatarashvili, K. Oppelt, and P. Hamm, Unveiling the Activation Pathway of the CO2 reduction catalyst Trans-(Cl)-[Ru(X,X’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridine)(CO)2Cl2] by Direct Spectroscopic Observation, ACS Catal., 2025, 15, 3023-3037
• L. Tatarashvili, N. von Fellenberg, K. Oppelt, and P. Hamm, Monomer and Dimer Pathways of Earth-abundant Manganese Tricarbonyl Pre-catalysts for CO2 Reduction Studied by Time-Resolved IR Spectroscopy, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2026, 28, 2281-2293

Your responsibilities

Integrated in an international research group consisting of a mix of PhD students and postdocs, and of Chemist and Physicist, you will first adapt existing experimental instrumentation to the specific needs of the planed experiments, prepare/synthesize the required molecules and then pursue the laser-based spectroscopic measurements. 

Your profile   

The successful candidate must hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related field. Besides a solid background in Physical Chemistry, basic knowledge of electrochemistry and organometallic synthesis will be required 

What we offer

We offer excellent research conditions in a brand new laboratory building, above-average salaries, the high quality of life in the city of Zurich and its surrounding, as well as the possibility to work in fascinating interdisciplinary research fields. Salary starts from 47'040 CHF/year and increases to 50'040 CHF/year in the 3rd year.

Place of work

Prof. Dr. Peter Hamm
University of Zurich (Irchel Campus)
Department of Chemistry
Winterthurerstrasse 190
8057 Zurich 

Group’s website:  www.chem.uzh.ch/en/research/groups/hamm.html

Start of employment

Employment start date can be immediately, or upon mutual agreement. We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file including a motivation letter, a CV and copies of degrees. The motivation letter should make reference to the above mentioned publications (i.e., why are you interested in that particular position).                                                                      

Group’s website:  www.chem.uzh.ch/en/research/groups/hamm.html