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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in developing cutting-edge security technologies using circularly polarised luminescence.
- Company: Be part of a pioneering research team at the forefront of physical chemistry.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and potential commercial impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in combating counterfeiting with groundbreaking research and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry or related field; experience in luminescence or spectroscopy is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to work on patented technology with global implications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Role
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Chemistry.
Job Description: Chameleon Dyes: Circularly Polarised Luminescent Photography and Lanthanide Complexes for Advanced Intelligent Security Applications.
Counterfeiting is extremely detrimental to society. Authenticating products and documents is vital to global commerce, health and personal identity. A plethora of noticeable and concealed anti-counterfeiting measures and technologies have been developed to combat counterfeiting. Perhaps the most well-known class of anti-counterfeiting labels are luminescent security inks, which are commonly applied to bank notes and passports.
Lanthanide complexes are widely used in luminescent security inks due to their unique and robust photophysical properties such as finger print-like emission profiles and long luminescent lifetimes. The proposed project will harness the phenomenon of Circularly Polarised Luminescence (CPL), where different enantiomers of the same chemical entity produce different handedness (left or right) of light. Lanthanide complexes can be engineered to emit CPL, which encodes chiral molecular fingerprints in luminescence spectra that cannot be decoded by conventional optical measurements. However, chiral CPL signals have not yet been exploited as an extra security layer in advanced security inks due to the lack of suitable handheld rapid \’ad-hoc\’ CPL detection technology.
CSI\’s combine organic short-lived (ns) green/blue emitters and chiral (CPL active) red/green (terbium/europium) long-lived (ms) emitters embedded into transparent polymer matrices. They pave the way towards multi-layered: multi-coloured, -spectral, -helicity, high spatial and temporal resolution unclonable QR code generation with an unprecedented 5 layers of \’invisible to the naked eye\’ security. The wide-spread use of \’plastic\’ banknotes facilitates the introduction of \’hidden in plain sight\’ CSI features, when combined with the right instrument can facilitate ad-hoc verification further advancing security and authenticity.
In 2020 our pioneering solid-state CPL spectrometer (Nat. Commun., 2020, 11, 1676) triggered a paradigm shift in CPL spectroscopy that has been hindered over the last 50 years due to its stagnant design that prevented its use and widespread application. For the first time, our novel CPL spectrometer allowed rapid time-resolved CPL spectroscopy to be exploited.
Earlier this year (Nat. Commun., 2022, 13, 553) we constructed and validated the world\’s first CPL Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (CPL-LSCM), which is uniquely capable of simultaneously recording left- and right-handed CPL allowing enantioselective differential chiral contrast (EDCC) imaging of emissive chiral molecules, yet again igniting and broadening the horizon of CPL research.
In this project we set out to adapt and embed our patented CPL chiroptical separator unit into a hand-held, solid-state CPL photographic (CPLP) camera system. Once it is fully developed and validated it can be used for \’ad-hoc\’ time-resolved EDCC measurements. This could truly amplify the underlying potential of CPL and pave the way towards novel unclonable luminescent security inks. Harnessing the so far unexploited benefits of CPL detection would allow the broad communities of life and material sciences to adopt this facile technology. We forecast a potentially game-changing impact on a global scale that reaches further than the scientific benefits associated with this project and could generate immense commercial interest.
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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry employer: Westfield State University
Contact Detail:
Westfield State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of physical chemistry and anti-counterfeiting technologies. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers and industry experts who might provide insights or even recommend you for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in Circularly Polarised Luminescence (CPL) and lanthanide complexes. Being well-versed in these topics will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the research outputs from the department, especially the publications mentioned in the job description. Understanding their previous work will allow you to ask informed questions and show that you are proactive and invested in their research.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how your previous research experience aligns with the goals of this project. Think about specific examples where you've tackled similar challenges or used relevant techniques, as this will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Familiarise yourself with the specific research focus on Circularly Polarised Luminescence and lanthanide complexes, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous research experience related to physical chemistry, luminescent materials, or anti-counterfeiting technologies. Be specific about your contributions and outcomes in past projects.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that connects your background to the project goals. Discuss your interest in the application of CPL in security technologies and how your skills can contribute to the team's success.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in research roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfield State University
✨Understand the Project
Make sure you thoroughly understand the project details, especially the concepts of Circularly Polarised Luminescence and lanthanide complexes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to physical chemistry and luminescent materials. Brush up on your knowledge of spectroscopy and anti-counterfeiting technologies, as these are likely to come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, particularly any work related to luminescence or materials science. Highlight specific projects and the impact they had, as this will demonstrate your capability and relevance to the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the research environment, and future directions of the project. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
