PhD student position in Computational Atomic-Scale Materials Physics

Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and society, the ambition of the department of Applied Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, teaching and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with 200 physics teachers and researchers, 120 PhD students and 550 undergraduate students.
Information about the research and the project
The development of computational methods based on the fundamental laws in physics has opened a promising direction of materials design at the atomic level. The PhD project aims towards a fundamental understanding of kinetic and mechanical properties of complex materials. It involves both methodological developments and applications to real systems. Nucleation and growth phenomena in connection to precipitation and sintering processes will be investigated as well as strength of multi-phase multi-component materials. The developed methodology will be applied to cemented carbides and steels.

The project is conducted in collaboration with experimental groups and industry partners. The work will be performed in the Materials and Surface Theory group, a research group that is characterized by a strong interplay between fundamental and applied research. The research group is taking part in the paradigm shift to a quantitative theory of materials that density-functionals, effective algorithms and high-performing computers imply.

More information about the Department of Applied Physics is available at: http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ap/Pages/default.aspx

Major responsibilities
The PhD project will involve density-functional theory based electronic-structure calculations for the atomic-scale description and development of inter-atomic potentials for complex interactions. The latter will be used in large scale molecular dynamics and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to include thermal and statistical degrees of freedom. Connections will be made to the computational thermodynamics approach and, in collaboration with other researchers, to mechanical properties on the mesoscale.

Your major responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies, often together with other researchers and PhD-students. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, and participate in international conferences and industrial networks. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding up to 20 % of working hours. You are expected to write a licenciate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to four years full time doctoral studies, or up to five years with teaching and other duties.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics, Engineering Physics or an equivalent degree. You should have a sound knowledge and interest in condensed matter physics, materials physics, computational physics, numerical modeling and simulation techniques. Experience in electronic-structure calculations and/or molecular dynamics simulations would be an asset.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your naive language, you are encouraged to learn it during your employment as a PhD student. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application deadline: 2014-01-15

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




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


Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.

The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!