The underlying questions asked in this project are multidisciplinary and fundamental in nature, and lie at the intersection between chemistry, materials and planetary science: what are the environmental limits to prebiotically relevant chemistry? What is the structure of some simple, yet controversial, polymers? How did the first polypeptides form? One focus will be Saturn’s moon Titan, a unique natural laboratory in part reminiscent to the early Earth. The aim is to use quantum mechanical calculations and collaborate with experimentalists and planetary scientists to shed light on these questions.

The hosting research group (http://www.rahmlab.com)  utilizes a broad range of computational methodologies for studying molecules, polymers, crystals and liquids. We ask fundamental questions and are interested in chemically realistic in silico design of challenging new materials and the development of new conceptual methods for analyzing electronic structure. The group is a part of Chalmers Initiative on Cosmic Origins (http://cosmicorigins.space/cico), which is one interdiciplinary platform for this research project. Depending in part on the background of the successful candidate, we may choose to focus more on structure prediction of crystalline phases, or on reaction exploration using steered quantum molecular dynamics.

Details of the research activities at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering can be found at:
http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/chem/research/Pages/researchstart.aspx

For questions, please contact: Martin Rahm, [email protected]   

Major responsibilities
Major responsibilities for this postdoctoral position include: 
(1) Predicting the abiotic synthesis of different macromolecules 
(2) evaluating possible astrobiological functions of rudimentary materials
(3) develop upon collaborations with experimetal groups.  

Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position may include supervision of bachelor, master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full time research scholarship. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must hold a recent (< 2 years) doctoral degree in a relevant field. The ideal candidate has a background in computational chemistry, but candidates with a computational material science background are welcome to apply. The successful candidate needs to have a demonstrated excellent track-record in the use of state-of-the-art quantum mechanical methods, such as density functional theory or multireference techniques. Expertise in the use of molecular dynamics is advantages but not necessary. A background in astrobiology, astrochemistry, prebiotic chemistry or planetary science is meriting but not necessary. You should have good communications skills, both oral and written, in English. To be successful you have to be highly motivated, have a strong problem solving ability, be creative, and enjoy working both by yourself and in close cooperation with others.  The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement. If you have an interest in learning Swedish Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

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

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. Read more about working at Chalmers. 

Apply here!

Application deadline: 1st of March - 2020

For questions, please contact:
Martin Rahm, 
Assistant professor, 
[email protected]