Applications are sought for an EPSRC funded postdoctoral research associate position to work in the Oliver research group at the University of Bristol as part of the EPSRC programme grant Ultrafast Photochemical Dynamics in Complex Environments (EP/V026690/1). The grant is a large-scale multi-centre collaborative project between experimental laser spectroscopists and theoretical chemists from four different UK institutions (Bristol, Imperial, Oxford and UCL).

The overall objectives of the research are: (i) to deepen our understanding of the response of molecular chromophores to absorption of light, and the effects of interactions between the chromophores and their surroundings, on femtosecond to picosecond timescales; (ii) to apply this new understanding to reveal the mechanisms of light-activated processes in two complex but important real-world contexts where photochemistry plays a key role. These chosen contexts address fundamental questions in plant biology (specifically, the regulation of photomorphogenesis) and atmospheric chemistry (the onset of growth of secondary organic aerosols).

The appointed post-doctoral researcher will undertake laboratory studies of the mechanisms of photochemical reactions of organic and bio- molecules on ultrafast timescales, with the objective of understanding how these photochemical dynamics are affected by interactions with a surrounding solvent or protein. The key techniques to be employed will be (i) 2D electronic spectroscopy, (ii) transient absorption and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The role will also involve establishing a 2D electronic-vibrational spectroscopy experiment using an established amplified laser system. There will also be opportunities to utilise time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and a novel laser system capable of seamlessly tracking transient dynamics spanning femtoseconds-to-milliseconds.

Applications are strongly encouraged from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds, especially those historically under-represented in scientific research. The School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, providing mentorship and a collegial inclusive working environment for all staff.

The advertised position is available for up to 3 years in the first instance, with the possibility for extension.

Further details about skills required for the position, and the online application process are available here. Details of the wider Bristol Laser Spectroscopy and Dynamics Group can be found at www.bristoldynamics.com. Please direct informal enquiries to: tom.oliver@bristol.ac.uk

The application deadline is 28th November 2022.

A fully-funded 3.5 year PhD studentship is available to start in September 2023 in the Oliver research group at the University of Bristol.

Natural photosynthetic proteins efficiently absorb solar light and convert this into sugars required for growth and cellular function. This exquisite light-driven natural process is the net result of multiple complex reactions initiated by electronic energy transfer and charge transfer.

Ultrafast laser spectroscopy has been an indispensable tool for elucidating the chain of high-energy events that occur after light is absorbed by chromophores in natural proteins.

The full intricate functionality of natural photosynthesis has, to-date, not been replicated in fully synthetic proteins. The PhD project is closely linked to a multidisciplinary project (https://circuitsoflife.uk/) which aims to address this deficiency by creating novel modular light harvesting proteins and redox-active enzymes, by combining the expertise of biochemists, computational and synthetic chemists with ultrafast spectroscopists.

Using state-of-the-art ultrafast laser spectroscopies you will investigate the energy and charge transfer pathways in novel and specially designed photoactive proteins from the consortium of collaborators (Bristol, UEA, UCL, Portsmouth). The techniques include: transient absorption and time-resolved spectroscopies capable of monitoring dynamics seamlessly from 100 femtosecond to 1 millisecond; 2D electronic and 2D electronic-vibrational spectroscopies.

The rate constants determined by ultrafast studies will be used to identify the mechanisms for energy and charge transfer within the assembled proteins, and pinpoint bottlenecks or potential deficiencies in the synthetic proteins. These will be used as a critical inputs to optimise the synthetic protein proficiency.

You will part of a team of postgraduate students and post-doctoral research fellows in the excellently equipped and well-funded Oliver research group at Bristol, part of the Bristol Laser Spectroscopy and Dynamics Group.

Applicants should hold a good honours degree (or equivalent) with subject knowledge in Chemistry, Chemical Physics or Physics.

You will receive a stipend to cover your living costs at the level set by UKRI: https://www.ukri.org/skills/funding-for-research-training/

Contact Dr. Tom Oliver (tom.oliver@bristol.ac.uk) for further details.

Teo’s paper which demonstrates very small changes in reaction conditions can tune carbon dot fluorescence from the blue to the green has been accepted for publication in Nanoscale, and can be accessed here. Well done Teo!