PhD student position in Quantum Chemistry and Computational Astrobiology

Information about the research group
The host research group (www.rahmlab.com) is part of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers. Activities within this research group involves a broad range of methodologies, from structure prediction algorithms coupled to massively parallelized density functional theory calculations, to ab initio calculation of properties and detection characteristics, as well as quantum computation. We ask fundamental questions and are interested in the study of chemistry under challenging conditions, prebiotic chemistry, and the development of methods for analyzing electronic structure. The research group is part of Chalmers Initiative for Cosmic Origins an interdiciplinary research collaboration that address fundamental questions about the formation of galaxies, stars, planets and life in the Universe.

Major responsibilities
Responsibilities include performing calculations on molecular and periodic systems using density functional theory and ab initio methods. Specific objectives include (1) Seek evidence for the structure, function and formation mechanisms of prebiotically relevant polymers from simple building blocks; (2) Develop collaborations with experimentalists and planetary scientists and compare computational predictions with laboratory measurements and observations of Saturn’s moon Titan; (3) Actively collaborate with other group members that develop procedures for computational materials design.

Your major responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research orally and in writing in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field such as theoretical chemistry, physical chemistry, physics or equivalent. Basic knowledge of quantum chemistry or condensed matter physics from an undergraduate education is a requirement.

The successful candidate must have good communications skills, both oral and written, in English. If Swedish is not your native language then you are expected to attend basic courses in Swedish offered by Chalmers during your doctoral training. To be successful, you have to be highly motivated and creative, have a problem solving ability, and enjoy working both by yourself as in close cooperation with others. A curious mindset and a passion for fundamental science is a prerequisite.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210008 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 28 february, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Martin Rahm, Assistant professor, mail: martin.rahm@chalmers.se

Another way to join us:
Interested applicants are encouraged to also (in additon to the position advertised here) apply for an Excellence PhD position through Chalmers Excellence Initiative Nano, to double the chances of joining the team (deadline 28th of February):

Information about the department:
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers and covers a large array of research from basic to applied. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials, solar cells and fuels, high temperature corrosion, and catalysis. The Department is heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg. Our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

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