PRR Project

Summary

ASSIGNED TASKS1) Overarching aim: To fully leverage the capabilities of CICECO’s solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facility, especially the unique state-of-the-art Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR (DNP) spectrometer, the only one available in the Iberian region. DNP enhances NMR measurement sensitivity by transferring polarization from electron to nuclear spins, facilitating the detection of signals from minute sample quantities or low-concentration species, including those at surfaces, which would be challenging or impossible to detect. The candidate researcher should have expertise in solid-state NMR spectroscopy including both the implementation of multi-dimensional experiments and their subsequent processing and analysis with numerical methods. Experience in DNP NMR will be highly regarded.2) Main tasks of the new researcher comprise:- Conducting Cutting-Edge Research - Design, implement, and execute experiments using the DNP NMR spectrometer to explore new frontiers in materials science, chemistry, or related fields (see 3). This involves developing novel experimental protocols to exploit the DNP technique´s enhanced sensitivity.- Data Analysis and Interpretation - Process and analyze NMR data to get insight into the molecular structure, dynamics, and interactions of the studied materials or molecules. This includes using advanced computational tools and software specific to NMR data analysis.- Method Development - Innovate and refine NMR techniques, including DNP-enhanced experiments, to improve the resolution, sensitivity, and applicability of NMR spectroscopy in various research contexts.- Collaborative Projects: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within and outside CICECO to apply DNP NMR spectroscopy to a broad range of scientific questions, from understanding fundamental biochemical processes to developing new materials. Support, in particular, the access of Portuguese researchers to DNP NMR.- Training and Supervision: Offer training and guidance to students, postdocs, and other researchers on using the DNP NMR spectrometer.- Maintenance and Optimization of NMR Facility: Oversee the routine maintenance of the NMR DNP spectrometer, to ensure optimal performance. This task includes troubleshooting technical issues, coordinating with service technicians, and implementing upgrades.3) Indicative areas of researchWhile the primary objective of this position is to unlock the full capabilities of solid-state (DNP) NMR, listed below are some areas of research for reference:- Investigating host-gas interactions in CO2 adsorption and separation using nanoporous materials. This method entails incorporating polarizing agents, typically organic radicals, into the system either through impregnation techniques or via grafting and co-condensation.- Liquid-crystal-forming molecules, lipid self-assembly systems, bilayers, membrane proteins, and their associations. This area focuses on the challenges posed by the size and intrinsic disorder of these systems, which are difficult to analyze using traditional methods like Cryo-Electron Microscopy and X-ray Crystallography.- Plasma membrane proteins role in cell communication and molecular pathogenesis, for example their link to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer´s.- Battery materials and the study of electrochemical processes, materials composition, and degradation mechanisms within batteries mechanisms, contributing to the development of more efficient, safer, and longer-lasting energy storage systems.RATIONALE FOR THE NEED TO HIREOne of CICECO’s main assets and distinctive feature is the Portuguese Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre (PTNMR), which stands as Portugal’s largest NMR facility. PTNMR comprises six spectrometers and (soon) one imaging equipment, including the only Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR (DNP) spectrometer (400 MHz) in Iberia. PTNMR is housed in a new dedicated building associated with the Chemistry Department and, in addition to DNP NMR, encompasses the following spectrometers: 700 MHz and 400 MHz (solids); 500 MHz (with LC, metabonomics); 500 MHz and 300 MHz (liquids).Recognised as a European class NMR Centre, PTNMR is a partner in the running EU-funded PANACEA project, aiming to create an integrated infrastructure for multi-disciplinary chemistry users in search of pioneering instrumentalization and exploratory expertise in solid-state NMR. Looking forward, our ambition is to enhance our cutting-edge facilities, boost our visibility in European research, attract outstanding students and researchers, and engage with the national and international industry. These goals are supported by our three decades of experience in solid-state NMR and the transformative potential of DNP NMR. Such endeavour may only be brought to fruition if a researcher fully dedicated solid-state (DNP) NMR is hired.