Postdoc on the Spectroscopy & Dynamics of Photomolecular Motors, UEA, Norwick, UK (Deadline: 17.11.2025)

A postdoctoral position (called a senior research associate in our institute) in the group of Assoc. Prof. James Bull on the Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Photomolecular Motor (PMM) ions is available at the University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, UK. The position is for three years.

PMMs, based on overcrowded alkenes, enable the conversion of light into directional molecular motion required for microscopic machines. Coupled PMMs have demonstrated concerted, directional intramolecular rotation to support molecular translation. These dynamics are driven by successive photoisomerisation and thermal helix inversion (THI) steps. Synthetic efforts have optimised the rate of THI but often at the expense of isomerisation yield. The ultimate goal of the project is to use spectroscopic techniques, including gas-phase methods such as tandem ion mobility mass spectrometry and time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, together with solution-phase measurements, to uncover the detailed mechanism of PMMs. Our gas-phase strategies allow for the direct observation of photoisomerisation, as well as photogeneration, separation, and probing of many intermediate ions. The understanding gained in the project will guide the rational design of improved PMMs.

This post will focus on the gas-phase measurements, which allow for direct comparison with theory. The postdoc will work closely with a colleague at UEA (Prof. Steve Meech) studying the same systems in solution using ultrafast spectroscopy techniques, with the motors being developed and characterised by colleagues at Groningen University in the Netherlands.