Schulich Faculty of Chemistry
Assistant Prof. Ofer Neufeld
Research field: Our group works in the multidisciplinary field of ultrafast laser-matter interactions. Our overarching goal is understanding the fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms that are active in molecules and materials driven far-from-equilibrium into highly excited states by intense laser pulses. We strive to describe attosecond (10-18 seconds) to femtosecond (10-15 seconds) coherent phenomena with ab-initio simulations (e.g. time-dependent density functional theory), in combination with simple models, in order to predict new physical effects and explain the origins of experimental measurements. Among our big open questions, we are interested in uncovering how e-e interactions evolve on their natural timescale and affect quantum dynamics, how energy transfers from electronic to vibrational degrees of freedom, and what’s the speed limit with which light can induce magnetic responses. We also aim to develop emerging ultrafast applications such as novel approaches for ultrafast high-resolution spectroscopy, quantum control schemes, and new light sources.
Research projects and specific topics in the group include theory of high harmonic generation in molecules and solids, photoionization and photocurrent generation in nonlinear conditions, intense light-matter interactions in quantum materials (e.g. 2D valley materials, topological systems, etc.), ultrafast (and even attosecond) magnetism, and more. The summer student will start out writing his own simple code for exploring highly nonlinear optics in an atomic system irradiated by short laser pulses. Following, more advanced simulations could be performed on any of the topics of interest to the group. Work in our group is especially suited to students with a strong multidisciplinary background who love theory, have a curious and creative mind, and an ambition to learn.
Required background: An interest in doing theory, ab-initio simulations, and advantage for background in materials/physics and/or scientific programming (because the project will involve writing code).
https://sites.google.com/view/neufeld-theory/
Distinguished Prof. Ilan Marek
Research field: We are concerned with the design and development of new and efficient stereo- and enantioselective strategies for the synthesis of important complex molecular structures. We are particularly interested in developing carbon-carbon bond forming processes, which efficiently create multiple stereocenters in a single-pot operation. Deep understanding of reaction mechanisms gives insight into the origins of chemo- and stereoselectivity and governs optimization towards the most efficient and general protocols for our methodologies. Our vision is that we should provide an answer to challenging synthetic problems, but it must be coupled with unique efficiency and elegance.
Required background: Expertise and interest in synthetic organic chemistry.
https://ilanmarek.technion.ac.il/
Prof. Ashraf Brik
Research field: The Brik research group is developing novel synthetic approaches to chemically synthesize homogenous post translationally modified proteins, such as ubiquitinated and phosphorylated proteins, for structural, biochemical, biophysical and functional analyses. During the summer camp, the students will be involved in the area of chemical peptide and protein synthesis, protein biochemistry and cell delivery of synthetic proteins to interrogate biological questions.
https://ashrafbrik.technion.ac.il/
Assistant Prof. Ron Tenne
Research field: The terms nano, quantum and fast (or ultrafast), which we use so often in chemistry and physics, are inherently linked together. Our lab creates unique tools to observe these links in vivid detail. We study nano-sized emitters of quantum states of light, states that cannot be described simply by Maxwell’s equations – quantum dots. To understand their physics, we need to study these one nanoparticle at a time and at very fast rates. Combining “fast” and “small” is very challenging and takes up much of our working time. Our goal is to harness these new understandings into the world of quantum sensing – the application of principles of quantum mechanics to enhance sensing of the environment. Specifically, we strive sense electrons “running around” in circuits down to nanometer and picosecond spatial and temporal scales.
Our lab opened its doors just this year, and you will have to join in and experience experimental optics/materials science at the ground-floor level. We have multiple long-term experiments in which we can establish a short-term project that will keep you challenged throughout your time in the Technion.
Required background: Students should study physics, chemistry, materials engineering or electrical engineering and have background in waves, electromagnetics and/or solid-state physics. An interest or prior knowledge in quantum physics/chemistry is an advantage.
https://funspeclab.twix.technion.ac.il/
Associate Prof. Renana Gershoni-Poranne
Research field: The Poranne Group is a research group working in the field of computational physical organic chemistry.
Our work focuses on the investigation of polycyclic aromatic systems and includes characterization of molecular properties, elucidation of structure-property relationships, and development of principles for rational design of functional conjugated molecules. Through a combination of computational chemistry and data analysis, we uncover useful and intuitive connections between structural features and molecular properties and develop conceptual frameworks that help connect these abstract properties to real-world synthetic strategies. The chemical insights that we uncover are leveraged to implement machine-learning and deep-learning models for data-driven molecular design and discovery.
In addition, our group investigates chemical reactivity, in particular in the context of earth-abundant organometallic catalysts. We map the potential energy surface and investigate the various aspects that govern the reactivity and selectivity of catalytic processes. These insights provide the basis for design of more sustainable and effective catalysts.
Required background: Previous experience in computational chemistry and/or coding is not required, but can be an advantage. The group believes in an inclusive and collaborative culture, where team-work and mutual respect are top priorities. We are always open to receiving new members who are excited about learning and who are motivated to work towards advancing our understanding of chemistry and molecular design.
https://poranne-group.github.io/
Prof. Efrat Lifshitz
Research Field: Our group studies low-dimensional semiconductor solids using an interdisciplinary approach that combines material development (via chemical colloidal and vapor transport methods) with experimental and theoretical analysis of their optical and magneto-optical properties. We focus on van der Waals (vdWs) bulk and few-layered crystals and 2D and 3D perovskites, with an emphasis on how surfaces, interfaces, trapping/doping, and spin effects influence photophysics. Utilizing advanced magneto-optical techniques like optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), magneto-micro-photoluminescence (M-µPL), and microwave-modulated PL, we explore phenomena such as Auger quenching suppression, the Rashba effect, anisotropies, and magnetic-electronic coupling, addressing key challenges in optoelectronics and spin-based devices. Summer interns can participate in: (1) Preparing vdWs and perovskites and characterizing their structure and composition; (2) Investigating the magneto-optical properties of magnetic vdWs materials, exploring spin polarization, double valleys, anisotropy, and magnetic-exciton coupling; (3) Studying the magneto-optical properties of 3D and 2D perovskites, focusing on effects like dynamic Rashba, inversion symmetry breaking, and anharmonicity.
Required Background: The prospective intern should have a strong Chemistry background, with an adequate knowledge of solid-state physics and spectroscopy.
https://www.efratlifshitz.com/
Prof. Graham de-Ruiter
Research Field: Research in Sustainable Organometallic Chemistry. Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing inorganic and organometallic chemistry through the lens of sustainability. At the core of our research program lies a fundamental question: how can earth-abundant metals, such as iron, cobalt, and manganese, be harnessed to perform transformative reactions traditionally dominated by precious metals like palladium, iridium, or rhodium? By addressing this challenge, we aim to redefine the boundaries of catalysis while promoting chemical processes that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.
We view our mission as building a foundation for sustainable catalysis that reduces reliance on scarce, expensive, and often toxic elements. In doing so, we seek to open new pathways for small molecule activation, selective bond transformations, and solar energy conversion. These advances are critical not only for academic discovery but also for enabling greener and more scalable technologies across the chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy industries. To achieve these goals, our research program is structured around three key pillars. First, we design and synthesize bespoke ligands that fine-tune the reactivity of base metals, enabling control over electronic and steric environments. Second, we uncover and probe novel catalytic mechanisms, using kinetics, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry to reveal new modes of reactivity that can rival or even surpass those of precious metals. Third, we integrate photochemistry, developing light-driven catalytic systems that merge energy harvesting with selective transformations.
We invite motivated students in their final year of a B.Sc. or beyond to join our laboratory for a summer research experience in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Our program focuses on developing sustainable catalytic processes with earth-abundant metals, combining ligand design, mechanistic studies, and photochemical catalysis. Participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques, explore the frontiers of catalysis, and expand their scientific skills in an international research environment. This opportunity is ideal for students with a background in inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, or catalysis who are eager to perform research abroad and contribute to cutting-edge projects in sustainable chemistry.
Prof. Mark Gandelman
Research Field: We conduct a wide range of projects on organic and organometallic chemistry, catalyst design, main group elements chemistry and asymmetric synthesis.
We design and develop organometallic and metal-free systems with fundamentally novel properties which can be used as catalysts for important yet problematic chemical reactions to build our sustainable future. We make a focus on the understanding of chemical and physical properties of these systems and the mechanistic features of their reactivity. Ideally, we aim for sustainable, environmentally benign one-pot reactions which generate minimal chemical waste, use non-toxic reagents and require little energy. During these projects students learn organic and inorganic synthesis, work with air sensitive materials, mechanistic analysis, multinuclear NMR, HPLC, GC, MS, X-ray among other analytical tools.
Required Background: Students studying Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials program towards BSc or MSc degrees.
