Postdoctoral position in USA

Highlights:

1.      One experimental and one theoretical/computational postdoc for my recently funded Early Career Research Program award from the Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences.

2.       The positions are as members of a joint experimental/theoretical team focusing on the design of hydrogen production and hydrogen oxidation catalysts, similar to the enzyme hydrogenase.  Building on well understood nickel-phosphine catalysts with a single proton relay, the focus of the project is to develop, design, incorporate and characterize peptide-based proton channels (multiple proton relays) into homogeneous catalysts to enhance catalytic activity beyond that which can currently be achieved.

3.        Fully understanding the mechanism of the proton channel in enhancing rates will be an important goal.

4.      The experimental candidate will use air-sensitive techniques to synthesize the catalysts and peptide chemistry to build and incorporate the proton channels.  A variety of techniques, including electrochemistry, NMR, FTIR, XAFS, CD and GC will be used to characterize the structures of the catalysts and the proton channels, as well as catalyst activity.

5.      Modeling will be used to guide experimental design using Rosetta, as well as to develop and evaluate mechanistic insight into proton movement using multi-state empirical valence bond model (MS-EVB) or ab initio dynamics.

6.      The work will be carried out in collaboration with Dr. David Baker (University of Washington) (http://depts.washington.edu/bakerpg) and in synergy with the experimental (led by Dr. Dan DuBois) and theoretical (led by Dr. Michel Dupuis) work of the homogeneous catalysis group at PNNL as well as the Center for Molecular Electro catalysis at PNNL (led by Dr. Morris Bullock, http://efrc.pnl.gov/).

7.      To post your curriculum vitae for consideration, please go to www.jobs.pnl.gov and locate the appropriate Job ID: Postdoctoral Opening (experimental) Job ID:  118370

8.      Postdoctoral Opening (theory/computational) Job ID: 118371

Postdoctoral position in Food and Health

Highlights:

1.      A postdoctoral researcher is required to play a key role in the interface between researchers in Food and Health, based in Food Science and BioSciences facilities and the NMR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry laboratories within the Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility.

2.      Recent PRTLI (Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions) investment in the NMR and LC-MS infrastructure at this interface has been extensive; the role of this researcher is to liaise with each of the groups involved, ensuring that the maximum potential is achieved. This role will enable development of broad skills across a range of disciplines.

3.      PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline relevant to spectroscopic analysis of compounds

4.      Experience in HPLC

5.      Commitment to skills development

6.      Ability to interact with researchers from a range of disciplines

7.      Working in collaboration with spectroscopic services at the Chemistry - Biology interface in University College Cork

8.      Liaising closely with multiple PIs and researchers in the Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility and Food and Health to maximise the potential of the research infrastructure across a range of health/food /pharma projects.

9.      Tasks will include

o       Maintenance and operation of spectrometers including LC-MS and other techniques,

o       Development of methods for sample preparation for analysis,

o       Coordination of samples and technical reports to a wide range of users,

o       H&S, training of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in sample preparation and use of technical services, etc

10        Application send to  Dr. Susan Rafferty-McArdle (s.rafferty@ucc.ie)

11        A letter of introduction detailing why you would be suitable for the position

12        Your C.V., highlighting relevant experience and qualification

13        Contact details and e-mail addresses for three people willing to provide a letter of reference

14        Only those candidates considered suitable for the post will be informed by return email.

15        Candidates considered suitable for the post will be required to attend for interview.

16        Closing Date for Applications: 1pm on Monday the 22nd of February 2010 

Ph.D. position in chemistry

Highlights:

1.      Our research group is a part of the Biointerfaces Programme at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Heidelberg University in Germany.

2.      We have several open Ph.D. positions. We are looking for highly motivated students majored in chemistry or polymer chemistry.

3.      In our research group, we have several projects focused on the development of biologically active functional polymer surfaces and materials, "smart" switchable polymer surfaces, and gradient surfaces that we use for fundamental investigations of biological interfaces, for studying cell- and bacteria-surface interactions and for studying biofouling.

4.      The motivation behind our research is: to learn how cells and bacteria interact with surfaces; to develop biocompatible, biomimetic and "smart" materials that can improve performance of existing biomedical or cell culture devices; and to use this knowledge and materials to achieve control over behavior of cells and bacteria on surfaces.

5.      Our research is very interdisciplinary and we closely collaborate with biologists and physicists from the Biointerfaces Programme launched at the KIT in 2010.

6.      Applications should be sent per email to Dr. Pavel Levkin (levkin@kit.edu)

PhD position in Ecology

Highlights:

1. The resilience of marine ecosystems is influenced by a number of human induced drivers, such as climate change, fisheries, eutrophication and pollution. Seabirds are marine top predators that are responding to, and sometimes themselves causing, changes in marine ecosystems.

2. Topic: Seabird responses to dynamic marine ecosystem changes

3. The PhD position(s) will deepen the understanding of such interactions and their implications for management of marine ecosystem services. Special focus will be on how changes in fish stocks affect different seabird species and how changes affect different life and breeding-cycle stages, including state-dependent variables (e.g. age, sex, reproductive stage).

4. This project will use fish stocks (mainly sprat and herring) and seabirds in the Baltic Sea as a case study to integrate state-dependant life history responses in predators and responses of ecologically similar predator and prey species with changes in abundance and condition of prey.

5. In addition, indirect impacts from changes in fish stocks will be addressed by studying density-dependent prey-mediated effects on predator health. The significance of such interactions for management of resilience and regime shifts in the Baltic Sea will also be addressed.

Postdoctoral position as Chemist

Highlights:

1. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory is providing solutions to scientific problems! Are you someone who can make a difference on our team?

2. We are currently seeking a Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow to join our Environmental Energy Technologies Division.

3. The Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow will direct and carry out fundamental spectroscopic and electrochemical research in the area of electrocatalysis, catalysis and nanoscience.

4. The person in this role will also characterize nano-structured electrodes and membranes from materials used in fuel cells, prepare research manuscripts, proposals and reports, assure smooth operation of the spectro-electrochemical laboratories within the building.

5. The Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow will:

a. • Develop and apply modern advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques and methodologies for the characterization, modification and control of electrode-electrolyte interfaces characteristic for PEM fuel cell systems.

b. • Perform in situ characterization methods such as, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, near-field microscopy and spectroscopy, ellipsometry, Scanning Probe Microscopy, and electrochemical techniques for fundamental characterization of electrode/electrolyte interfaces and associated electrochemical processes.

c. • Combine surface characterization techniques into complex multiprobe systems to study the mechanism and kinetic properties of interfacial phenomena at micrometer or nanometer spatial resolution.

d. • Design and perform in situ and ex situ experiments with model thin-film nano-structured electrodes, develop methodologies for preparation of samples for basic spectroscopy and microscopy investigations.

e. • Carry out full analysis of experimental data. This includes applying computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data and characterize composite electrocatalysts.

f. • Develop innovative experimental approaches and analytical methodologies for the treatment of experimental data.

g. • Collaborate in the development of research proposals and new scientific initiatives.

h. • Prepare manuscripts, reports and presentations.

i. • Carry out collaborative research with LBNL scientists, research associates, post-doctoral fellows and students; participate in frequent meetings and discussions.

j. • Prepare materials for submissions and presentation to DOE and other agencies, as needed.

k. • Participate in and present results at selected meetings, workshops and seminars, as needed.

l. • Pursue professional academic society activities, as needed.

m. Qualifications:

• Recent Ph.D in the chemical or material sciences and demonstrated excellent level or proficiency in the application of surface characterization techniques to study electrochemical phenomena.

• Extensive experience in the use of surface spectroscopy and microscopy, near-field techniques, image processing, data simulation, modeling and numerical analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic data.

• Strong expertise and experience in experimental electrochemistry.

• The ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.

• Ability to participate in collaborative efforts as a member of a diverse research team.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Knowledge of electrochemistry of PEM fuel cell systems is desired.

• Familiarity with contemporary scientific issues in the field of energy conversion and storage is preferred.

• Ability to prepare materials for presentation at meetings and workshops, preferred.

• Proven organizational skills is preferred.

• Ability to work as a part of a team is preferred.

6. Notes

This is a full-time, one year appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon performance, business needs and continuation of funding.

7. Apply directly online and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process. As part of the online application process, please submit a single attachment that includes both your resume or CV and a statement of your research interests. Please be sure to reference where you found out about the position.

8. Berkeley Lab is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce.

9. Closing date: 12 April 2010