Project: “Improving DNP for the advanced study of glycopolymers”
A 3-year funded PhD position is available at CEA Grenoble (twinned with the University Grenoble Alpes) in the field of Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) NMR applied to glycopolymers.
The PhD will deal with the development and application of a new and emerging hyperpolarization technique: high-magnetic field MAS-DNP (Magic Angle Spinning Dynamic Nuclear Polarization). This approach is used to hyperpolarize nuclei such that high-sensitivity and high-resolution solid-state NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectra can be obtained and used to extract important structural information at the atomic scale, such as surface functionalization and internuclear proximities/distances, as well as crystallographic data, etc. Since the potential of this technique is beginning to be realized, the aim of this PhD is to further develop the methodology (sample preparation, new polarizing agents and radio-frequency pulse schemes) for the study of complex glycopolymers. This will be achieved through the combined use of EPR, DNP and MAS-DNP numerical simulation as well as developing advanced NMR experiments.
The thesis will mainly be performed in the DNP group of the Institute for Nanosciences and Cryogenics (CEA/University Grenoble Alpes) (http://www.dnpgrenoble.net/) in the context of an international collaboration. The PhD studentship will be funded for a duration of 3 years, starting October 1st 2018.
Grenoble is one of the major cities in Europe for research with a large international scientific community. In addition, Grenoble has a large international student population, is a very pleasant city to live in, and is known as the “Capital of the Alps” with easy access to great skiing and hiking. It’s also only 2 hours’ drive to the Mediterranean Sea, Italy, or Switzerland. Grenoble, Lyon, and Geneva airports are nearby and permit straightforward international travel.
The candidate should have a Master degree in Chemistry or Physics. Previous experience in NMR spectroscopy and/or computational methods is an advantage. He/she should have no issues with mobility and have a good comment (written/spoken) of English.
Motivated candidates should send a detailed CV, a letter of motivation, Master grades, and at least two names for recommendation to Sabine Hediger (Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.) and Gaël De Paëpe (Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.).