Two PhD student positions in Computational catalysis and surface science

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 main theme at Chemical Physics is the development of sustainable energy systems by using heterogeneous catalysis for alternative fuel production, emission control, photovoltaics, energy storage, and fuel cells. The research is interdisciplinary with strong connections between fundamental and applied science. Chemical Physics is a dynamic and international environment that strives for scientific excellence through teamwork. 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 it is possible to bridge both length and time scales. Theoretical spectroscopy is used together with experimental observations to unravel fundamental reaction mechanisms and processes. 

Major responsibilities
The two PhD candidates will work in a large project involving groups from Chalmers and Lund University  where theory and experiments are used to study methanol synthesis from methane or carbon dioxide. In the theoretical part of the project, density functional theory calculations will be used to study chemical reactions on surfaces and nanoparticels. For certain reaction, mean field and Monte-Carlo schemes should be developed to  elucidate the connection between micro- and macroscopic phenomena. The calculations are numerically intensive and will be performed on high performance computers. 

The goal with a PhD-position is to develop general research proficiency and a high competence within your specific research area. As a PhD-student, you will primarily conduct research, often together with other researchers and PhD-students. You will also follow PhD courses, be involved in teaching activities or other departmental duties, and participate in international conferences and networks.

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 department duties, including teaching, 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
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. Applicants who do not have English or a Scandinavian language as their mother tongue 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 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 procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160188 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: 31 May 2016

For questions, please contact:
Professor Henrik Grönbeck, 
Chemical Physics, 
henrik.gronbeck@chalmers.se, 
+46(0)31-772-2963, 

Associate professor Anders Hellman, 
Chemical Physics, 
anders.hellman@chalmers.se, 
+46(0)31-772-5611,

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



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!