项目介绍

2026年5月13日

We are seeking an outstanding candidate for a PhD student position in experimental physical chemistry and catalysis to work with Bogdan Dereka on our newly funded ERC research project EFFICACY: Electric Field Effects in Chemistry and Catalysis. Combining beyond-state-of-the-art laser spectroscopy, organic and inorganic synthesis, catalysis and electrochemistry, we work on elucidating the role that microscopic electric fields play in chemistry.

We will be building out a new ultrafast spectroscopy lab based on a new laser technology, as well as benefiting from the established infrastructure combining multiple established laser techniques at the University of Zurich. Our other state-of-the-art infrastructure in a brand-new world-class research building includes synthetic capabilities (including Schlenk lines, gloveboxes etc.) and modern characterization facilities.

Your responsibilities

You will be working in a vibrant international group of young and ambitious scientists in a highly interdisciplinary inspiring environment. You will gain technical expertise and perform complex experiments using instrumentation, some of which is unique in the world. Collaboration is an indispensable part of our research. We are collaborating with multiple theoretical and experimental research groups across fields and countries all around the world.

Lab members have the opportunities to develop various soft skills necessary for a future scientist and present research at national and international conferences. Career planning and counseling are provided.

Outside of the lab, Zurich is one of the most comfortable cities to live in and features one of the best standards of living worldwide. Salary for PhD students in Switzerland is determined by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Your profile

The successful candidate will:

• hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics or a closely related field.
• demonstrate proven academic excellence and passion for research, be ambitious, driven by curiosity and think outside of the box.
• have strong independent learning skills.
• have strong command of oral and written English.
• be collaborative and open to both learning from and sharing knowledge with other group members
• expertise in programming/ hardware interfacing/ spectroscopy/ electrochemistry/ surface science.

­An additional advantage would be:­For more details check: https://dereka.group/join-us/

Information on your application

Please, submit your application as a single pdf file. The application materials should include: CV, motivation letter/statement of research interests and experience, academic transcripts containing the grades obtained during the academic program(s), and names of at least two references who are ready to be contacted to send letters of recommendation directly to Bogdan (only upon request). Applications that do not conform to these guidelines will not be considered.

Questions about the job

Dr. Bogdan DerekaSenior Teaching and Research Assistant Ambizione SNSF