PhD student in Theoretical Physics, Ab initio methods and energy materials

We have the power of over 40,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting the challenges of the day. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, trust and security. By having the courage to think freely and innovate, our actions together, large and small, contribute to a better world. We look forward to receiving your application!
Your work assignments
The research area deals with theoretical studies and method development, with a focus on new materials discovered at high pressure and high temperature conditions (HPHT). We will perform theoretical simulations to answer several questions. Which alloys and compounds discovered in HPHT experiments exhibit exciting properties, worth the effort of bringing them to normal conditions and scaling up their synthesis? Can they be decompressed from HPHT to normal pressure? What are the competing phases, and do they have attractive properties? The main objective of this project is to disclose exciting materials synthesized by HPHT and to investigate their stability at normal pressure, a prerequisite for using the materials in applications. We will develop a workflow for efficient and reliable theoretical predictions of properties of materials discovered at high pressure and high temperature conditions. The study is supported by the Swedish Research Council.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications
To be employed as a PhD student, you should have graduated at master’s level in theoretical physics or computational physics, materials science, chemistry or equivalent or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in physics, materials science or materials chemistry. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way. Documents showing courses and grades must be attached to the application. The position is not intended for you who have significantly more experience, e.g. already have a Ph.D.

Previous experience with DFT ab-initio calculation of materials coupled with experience with machine learning algorithms is particularly meritorious. Python programming skills are required. Since research and collaborations are conducted in English, good knowledge of written and oral communication in English is a requirement. Eligible for employment as a doctoral student is only someone who is admitted or has already been admitted to doctoral education.

Applicants are expected to provide a statement of intent (max. 1 page, 11pt) as well as a half-page summary (plus max. one figure) of their thesis written in English. In the letter of intent, you must specify your research interest with regard to the subjects described above and highlight the relationship to your studies and other experiences.

Your workplace

The position is in the unit for ab initio theory and energy materials at theoretical physics division, which conducts research as well as undergraduate and postgraduate education in theory and modelling, focusing on theoretical physics. For more information visit:
https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/ifm/teofy
https://liu.se/en/research/ab-initio-methods-and-energy-materials

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 27 May, 2024.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.