PhD Position in Multiscale Computational Modeling of Nanomaterials is available

May 15, 2020
MBN Research Center offers a PhD student position in the field of computational Meso-Bio-Nano Science. The position can be started on July 01, 2020. The successful PhD candidate will be working on the computational modeling of irradiation-driven structural transitions in nanomaterials.

The main goal of this research project is to explore fundamental physicochemical phenomena that govern structural and phase transitions in complex molecular systems coupled to radiation by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Irradiation-driven chemical transformations form a basis for modern nanotechnologies which allow for the controlled fabrication of nanostructures with nanometer resolution. The project goal will be fulfilled by means of advanced theoretical and modeling approaches, computational tools and novel algorithms implemented in the advanced software packages MBN Explorer and MBN Studio.

Tasks:
The successful PhD candidate will work on advancing of the multiscale modeling techniques based on DFT, MD, Monte Carlo and Irradiation-Driven MD simulations. These methodologies will be applied for studying the irradiation-driven structural and phase transitions of metal clusters, organometallic molecules and nanostructures fabricated by means of Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition (FEBID) at atomistic level of detail. The selected PhD student will be involved in the development of models, running DFT and MD codes, analytical and numerical analysis of the data, analysis of the results obtained, their comparison with experimental data, and in preparation of the results for publication.
The work within this PhD project will be conducted in close cooperation with MBN RC partners from the University of Kent (Canterbury, United Kingdom), Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Thun, Switzerland), Swansea University (Swansea, United Kingdom), J.Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry (Prague, Czech Republic). Secondments to partner laboratories are envisaged within the project.

Qualifications:
- MSc Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Computational Nanoscience, or related disciplines;
- Knowledge of the basic principles of DFT and MD simulations of nanomaterials;
- Good knowledge of English (both written and oral);
- Good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team;
- Good programming skills.

MBN Research Center offers an attractive and modern workplace with an access to high-performance computer resources and an extensive library of computer codes, presentations, manuals, etc. produced by the MBN Research Center team over the years. The selected candidate will join a highly-professional, interdisciplinary environment that ensures appropriate working conditions and mentoring mechanisms. The successful candidate will be enrolled at the Department of Physics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main.

Please apply until 15.06.2020 by sending your applications to team@mbnexplorer.com. Applications should contain the following documents compiled in a single pdf file:
- Cover letter / Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae, with a list of publications (if any)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
- 2 letters of recommendation

All documents should be submitted in English. The selection process will be based on a competitive, equal opportunities basis following the common academic practices. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

In case of any questions or further inquiries please write to team@mbnexplorer.com.