Ph.D. Position in "Theoretical Photochemistry of DNA Building Blocks"
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A Ph. D. position is available starting immediately in the field of
"Photochemistry of Biological Molecules" at the Institute of Physical
Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, under the joint super-
vision of Profs. Bernd Hartke (http://ravel.phc.uni-kiel.de) and Friedrich
Temps (http://www.uni-kiel.de/phc/temps/home.html). The successful candi-
date will focus on computational quantum chemistry work for understanding 
ultrafast dynamics in electronically excited molecules. The emphasis is on
biologically relevant model compounds, free DNA bases, their hydrogen-
bonded dimers, and selected small oligonucleotides. Work will be conducted
in close contact with ongoing experimental research on the photophysical 
and photochemical dynamics of DNA building blocks in the group of Prof. 
Temps (see, e.g., Schwalb & Temps, "Ultrafast Electronic Relaxation in 
Guanosine is Promoted by Hydrogen Bonding with Cytidine", J. Am. Chem. Soc.
(2007) 129, 9272). Thus, depending on the candidate's priorities, he/she 
may also participate in the ongoing experiments, including femtosecond 
mass spectrometry and photoelectron imaging and femtosecond transient 
fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy, where state-of-the-art equipment
is used. There will also be overlap with the joint experimental and 
theoretical research thrust on "Ultrafast Dynamics of Photo-Induced 
Molecular Switching" 
(http://www.sfb677.uni-kiel.de/pages_en/projekte_a1_index.html) in the new
Collaborative Research Centre 677 "Function by Switching"
(SFB 677 http://www.sfb677.uni-kiel.de/, subproject A1
http://www.sfb677.uni-kiel.de/pages_en/projekte_a1_index.html). In
addition, there are opportunities for interaction with ongoing developments of
new quantum dynamics methods in the Hartke group
(http://ravel.phc.uni-kiel.de). 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in
physical chemistry/molecular physics, a good knowledge in theoretical 
and/or computational quantum chemistry, and a vigorous interest in cutting-
edge research. Requirements are a Diploma or Master's degree in Chemistry
or Physics and an excellent academic record. Familiarity with state-of-
the-art quantum chemistry packages and experience with linux and 
programming languages is desired, prior experience in the calculation of
electronically excited states a plus. Alternatively, the candidate should
have a strong background in chemical dynamics and/or laser spectroscopy, 
and be willing to venture into high level computational chemistry work in
close contact with experiments; experience in ultrafast and/or molecular
beam spectroscopy would be considered a plus.

The position is available immediately for an initial period of two years
with possibility for extension and is connected with teaching duties 
according to the regulations of the State of Schleswig-Holstein (currently
2 hours/week). The salary is based on the German public service scale 
(TV-L E13/2). Women are particularly encouraged to apply, and given the 
same qualifications, women and handicapped persons will be preferred. 
Applications are invited as soon as possible, and the search will continue
until the position is filled.

Please send your application, including cover letter, CV, list of courses
taken in physical/theoretical/computational chemistry, copies of Diploma 
or Master's certificates and transcripts, short summary of Diploma or 
Master's thesis, copies of publications (if available) and the names of 
two referees (with postal and e-mail addresses) to either F. Temps 
(temps.:.phc.uni-kiel.de) or B. Hartke (hartke.:.phc.uni-kiel.de).