PhD in Computational Materials Theory, Gothenburg Physics Centre

Gothenburg Physics Centre is a collaboration platform for the four departments Physics, Earth & Space Sciences, Microtechnology & Nanoscience at Chalmers University of Technology, and the department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg. The Gothenburg Physics Centre houses about 200 professors, 200 researchers with a PhD degree, 140 graduate students, and 550 undergraduate students. We have a common goal to encourage and develop the cooperation within the areas of academic research, teaching and outreach activities between the departments in order to create a stimulating work environment for researchers as well as students.

Information about the research group
The Materials and Surface Theory group at the Department of Physics focuses on the application of electronic structure and atomic scale simulation methods to address current problems in materials science. The work in the group is characterized by a strong interplay between fundamental and applied research. It involves both methodological developments and applications to real systems. A strong tradition of fruitful collaboration with experimentalist, both locally and internationally, has been developed. Many of our research activities concerns materials of interest for energy related applications and we have developed rewarding collaborations with industry. At the moment the division comprises two faculty members, seven PhD students, three post-docs, and one project workers. We strive for providing a stimulating, motivating, and collaborative research environment.

The present project focuses on the development and application of theoretical and computational techniques for understanding dynamical and kinetic processes in condensed matter systems. The project is based on the electronic/atomic level description. It will contain development of modeling techniques for various transport processes as well as improvements of inter-atomic force fields. The developed techniques will be applied to ionic and protonic diffusion as well as to electronic conductions in mixed conductors based on oxide materials. Important applications are to membranes and electrodes in fuels cells and to hydrogen sensor and separation devices. 

Major responsibilities
During the PhD project you will develop a detailed understanding of ionic, protonic and electronic transport properties in oxide materials with applications to fuel cells and separation membranes for energy applications. A key aspect will be the construction of atomic scale models and algorithms to be used in this context.  As part of the project, you will be expected to contribute to the continued development of our in-house codes, employ them in your own research, and communicate research results both orally at international conferences and in writing in scientific journals.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The employment is composed of a maximum of four years full-time of doctoral studies plus a maximum of one year of computational user support within atomic scale simulation, equivalent to a maximum of 20 % of the total working time. The employment is thus limited to a maximum of five years. The employment is tied to successful completion of department evaluations after one and three years.

Qualifications
You should hold a master's level degree in physics (applied physics, engineering physics, materials physics, chemical physics) or an equivalent degree, with a sound knowledge and interest in condensed matter physics, materials physics and computational physics. You should have a strong interest in computational modeling. Experience in electronic structure calculations and/or atomistic simulations is a clear asset, as well as experience with compiled and interpreted computer languages as C, C++ and python.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. If you do not have English or a Scandinavian language as your mother tongue you need to provide documentation of  good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test, for example TOEFL 550 (paper-based)/TOEFL 213 (computer-based), and/or exemplified during the interview process prior to admission.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.



Application deadline: 31 May 2016

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Göran Wahnström,
Materials and Surface Theory,
goran.wahnstrom@chalmers.se,
+46(0)31-772-3634

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***