The livMats Cluster of Excellence is offering the following position:

PhD position for Project Chemistry of Triboelectric Materials

(Envisaged start date: October 2022)

In collaboration with excellent experimentalists you will solve one of the oldest outstanding problems in science and explain the origin of tribolelectricity. To do so, you will perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations to determine the extent and mechanism of charge transfer (electron, ion, material transfer) of the provided material pairs upon mechanical contacting. You will go beyond standard DFT and use constrained density functional theory (CDFT) in combination with Marcus theory to investigate the kinetics of charge transfer reactions especially in combination with mechanochemically induced molecule fragmentation and radical formation.

Candidate profile

You should have a M.Sc. degree in physics/chemistry or similar. A PhD thesis requires enthusiasm for scientific research, eagerness to learn new methods, high ability to work in a self-organized manner and willingness to collaborate in an international team. Experience with electronic structure calculations (especially DFT) and a strong related mathematical background are mandatory. Experience in scientific programing (Python, C++, Fortran) is highly advantageous.

Contact person about position: Prof. Michael Moseler

E-Mail address for applications: [email protected] (please send one PDF file only)