PhD student positions in computational catalysis and surface science

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 division and the research project
The main theme at Chemical Physics is the development of sustainable energy systems by using surface processes for alternative fuel production, emission control, photovoltaics, energy storage, and fuel cells. The research is interdisciplinary with strong connections between fundamental and applied sience. Chemical Physics is a dynamic and international environment striving for scientific excellence through teamwork and joint experimental and theoretical efforts. The activity within heterogeneous catalysis is a part of the national Competence Centre for Catalysis at Chalmers.

The theoretical activities at Chemical Physics focus on electronic structure calculations within the density functional theory together with mean-field modeling and Monte-Carlo simulations for reaction kinetics. By linking quantum mechanical calculations with kinetic modeling in a multi-scale fashion, it is possible to bridge both length and time scales. Theoretical spectroscopy is used together with experimental observations to scrutinize fundamental reaction mechanisms and processes. 

http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ap/research/chemicalphysics/Pages/default.aspx

Major responsibilities
Research at a 90-100% level where the remining part is departmental work, e.g. teaching.

Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your scientific skills and communicate your results verbally and in writing. The position may include teaching and/or other duties corresponding to about 10 percent of the working hours.

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

Qualifications
The successful candidates should have:
(1) Master of Science in Physics or Chemistry corresponding to at least 240 higher education credit points
(2) Good communication skills in written and spoken English
(3) Able to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project
(4) Candidates with experience in computational/theoretical physics, chemistry and related areas are favored

Application deadline: 2014-01-26

For questions, please contact:
Professor Henrik Grönbeck
Chemical Physics
E-mail: ghj@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 2963

Associate Professor Anders Hellman
Chemical Physics
E-mail: anders.hellman@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 5611




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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!