Several academic and technical positions are available as part of the new ERC Consolidator Grant-funded research project COMOTION in the Controlled Molecule Imaging group at the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL), DESY, Hamburg.

The main objective of COMOTION is to enable novel experiments for the investigation of the intrinsic properties of l arge molecules, including biological samples such as proteins, viruses, and small cells. We will develop novel concepts and technologies for the manipulation of complex molecules and nano particles. These will be injected into vacuum, rapidly cooled, and their motion manipulated using external electric and electromagnetic fields. Produced samples will be used at state-of-the art facilities, such as the new XFEL currently under construction in Hamburg, to record atomic-resolution molecular movies of complex molecules.

Some of the proposed projects are listed below, these could be PhD projects, or extend for post-doctoral researchers. Please also see our website at http://desy.cfel.de/cid/cmi/opportunities for more information.

PROPOSED PROJECTS:
Control of airborne nanoparticles
In this project, the candidate will develop a manipulation toolbox to trap nanoparticles and individual biological systems (proteins, viruses, etc.) to efficiently guide identical particles to the interaction point in diffraction experiments. That is, the project will develop a “tractor beam” based on appropriately shaped electromagnetic fields.
Opt. Exp. 21, 30492 (2013)

Control of aerodynamically focussed beams of large molecules and nanoparticles
This project will develop strategies to transfer large molecules/particles into high-vacuum through the use of aerodynamic lenses and liquid-sample injectors. Methodologies to cool the produced beams will be implemented and beams thoroughly characterised (density, distribution, charge-state,...)and systems for controlling (mass selection, isomer separation, alignment) these beams developed.
Opt. Exp. 21, 30492 (2013) 
Phys. Rev. X 2, 031002 (2012) 

All positions are available immediately and until filled. For more information please contact the COMOTION project coordinator Dr. Daniel Horke (daniel.horke@cfel.de) or Prof. Dr. Jochen Küpper (jochen.kuepper@cfel.de).