Daniel Keefer

Dr. Daniel Keefer is a Group Leader in the Department of Molecular Spectroscopy at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz. He holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry from LMU Munich (2019), where he studied quantum molecular dynamics under Prof. Regina de Vivie-Riedle. After postdoctoral research at UC Irvine with Prof. Shaul Mukamel, supported by a Feodor Lynen Fellowship, he established his independent group focusing on ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy and quantum control. His ERC Starting Grant (2023) supports research into probing molecular dynamics with attosecond X-ray techniques.

Education: BSc (2012) and MSc (2014) in Chemistry/Biochemistry from LMU Munich, PhD (2019) in Theoretical Chemistry from LMU Munich. Research interests include ultrafast chemical transformations, quantum optimal control, and simulating X-ray spectroscopy for molecular dynamics. Techniques used: quantum molecular dynamics, electronic structure theory, and ultrafast X-ray methods like XFELs.

Key scientific awards include the ERC Starting Grant (2023) and Alexander von Humboldt's Feodor Lynen Fellowship (postdoc phase). His lab develops computational tools to model nuclear/electronic dynamics and interfaces with experimental XFEL facilities. Current projects explore 'doorways of photochemistry' (conical intersections) using X-ray spectroscopy.

Publications highlight advanced simulation protocols for ultrafast X-ray probes, with topics ranging from molecular photochemistry to attosecond monitoring. His group collaborates with institutions worldwide, focusing on cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques for time-resolved molecular imaging.