6 PhD scholarships in the Jürgen Manchot Graduate School Tuning Triplets for Optics and Reactivity

The research program of the Jürgen Manchot Graduate School Tuning Triplets for Optics and Reactivity (TUTOR) focuses on the modification of dyes for use in OLEDs and imaging (‘optics’) on the one hand, and for photoredox catalysis (‘reactivity’) on the other. Singlet and triplet states of dye molecules differ in their physical and chemical properties. These differences strongly affect photophysical and photochemical behavior in areas such as photobiology and electronic devices like OLEDs. Therefore, the central goal of the Graduate School is the specific modification of dyes and their environments to achieve a preferred occupation of singlet or triplet states. This approach enables the optimization of optical properties or the reactivity of the dye molecules.

The 6 PhD scholarships are assigned to two project areas:

Optics

• Design of triazine- and triangulene-based luminophores with narrow singlet-triplet gaps
• TADF chromophores under the influence of external stimuli
• Computer-aided design and method development for controlling triplet dynamics in organic emitters
• How rare is HIGHrISC behavior in organic chromophores?

Reactivity

• Photocatalytic cascade cyclizations
• Construction of reaction networks in intersystem crossing and photo-redox catalysis

Highly motivated and excellent candidates holding a MSc degree in chemistry or related subjects are strongly encouraged to apply. Outstanding graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or related subjects may be admitted to a fast-track doctoral program after completing the subject-specific preparatory studies defined in the doctoral regulations.

The dissertation projects are cross-linked both in content and methodology. Within the scope of the TUTOR qualification program, lectures and seminars and optional lab rotations will provide the PhD students with thorough insight into the basic and advanced knowledge in organic synthesis, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. In the course of the study program, the early researchers will be enabled to acquire extensive professional key competences. Yearly TUTOR retreats and the TUTOR symposium offer a platform for presenting own research results and intensive scientific exchange.

The scholarship comprises inter alia a monthly allowance of 1,900 € plus 200 € for additional expenses over a period of 3.5 years as well as a budget for material expenses and financial support for the attendance of national and international conferences.

The Heinrich-Heine-University with more than 34,000 students forms the core of the university town Düsseldorf. As a full university with its five faculties law, economics, humanities, medicine, and mathematics & natural sciences, the HHU promotes close interdisciplinary cooperation on the regional, national and international scale.