Postdoctoral position: Computational design of 2D materials

Information about the division
The Materials and Surface Theory group at the Department of Applied Physics focuses on the application of electronic structure and atomic scale simulation methods to address current problems in materials science. Many of our research activities concerns materials of interest for energy harvesting from solar, thermal, and fusion sources. In these areas we work closely with several experimental and theory groups both nationally and internationally. At the moment the division comprises two faculty members, seven PhD students, two post-docs, and one scientific computation expert, providing a stimulating, motivating, and collaborative research environment.

The present project focuses on layered materials, which are expected to play an important role in the future of sustainable energy production and management. They exhibit exceptional optical as well as electronic and thermal transport properties that suggest manifold applications in future nanoelectronic devices. The rapidly growing research on these materials has revealed countless fascinating features. The fundamental understanding of many of the underlying physical phenomena is, however, still insufficient, ultimately limiting future progress in this field.

Major responsibilities
The ultimate objective of this project is to employ computational modeling to design layered materials with optimal optical and transport properties for applications in energy harvesting. To this end, you will construct and study models of the electronic structure based on ab-initio calculations that enable a quantitative description of the electronic and phononic degrees of freedom of these systems. In this fashion it will become possible to predict the response of the system to external optical, electrical and thermal stimuli.

Some of these models will be ultimately employed for calculations based on the density matrix formalism in a closely related post-doctoral project in the group of Asstant Professor Ermin Malic (also at Chalmers). For this latter component, scientific communication and collaboration skills will be crucial.

Since the construction of suitable models is a key aspect of this project, you will contribute to the continued development of our in-house model building codes and guide other group members in this area. Finally, you are expected to communicate your research results both orally at international conferences and in writing in high-level scientific journals.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1). The position will be placed at the Department of Physics in the Materials and Surface Theory Division under the supervision of Assistant Professor Paul Erhart.

Qualifications
You should hold a PhD degree (the degree should generally not be older than three years) in physics or chemistry and have a strong interest in computational modeling and electronic structure calculations. You should enjoy working in a collaborative environment including interactions with both theoreticians and experimentalists.

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

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

Application deadline: 17 December 2015

For questions, please contact:
Assistant Professor Paul Erhart, Materials and Surface Theory, e-mail: erhart@chalmers.se
Professor Göran Wahnström, Materials and Surface Theory, e-mail: goran.wahnstrom@chalmers.se

*** 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!