Three PhD positions involving simulation and computational science approaches on the thematic of storage systems are currently available at Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides (LRCS, UMR #7314, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne), Amiens (France).

Two PhD candidates will work on the computational design, synthesis and experimental/theoretical characterization of new materials for the development of eco-friendly organic batteries. Their objectives will be to define suitable protocols as well as efficient selection strategies towards the engineering of performant materials and the development of prototypes in view of tackling current challenges of the field. The research work will consist in applying several synthetic routes as well as various theoretical approaches based on Density Functional Theory and chemical bonding analysis complemented by accurate exploration of electrochemical, structural, and spectroscopic properties. Among these two grants one will be performed in direct link with an industrial partner (‘CIFRE’ grant) while the other one will be supported by a major actor in the field of energy and sustainability.

Within an inspiring environment and in close link with high-profile key-partners, the third three-years PhD position will give the opportunity to contribute to strategic innovation routes towards the advent of advanced solid-state batteries. By using various simulation approaches, design plans and interpretation of experiments conducted at LRCS and through international interdisciplinary collaborations, the PhD candidate will provide guidelines as well as complementary characterization ways for the development of new and optimized solid electrolytes.

All these investigations will be conducted with cutting-edge resources and access to leading supercomputers. Short stay mobility in laboratories having already developed strong collaboration with LRCS in view of fostering such cooperation will also be encouraged.

Key selection criteria and conditions of application are provided below.

Candidate Requirements

The candidates must hold (or be about to receive) a Master's degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, electrical engineering or related area, and have good English skills. The successful candidates will have an excellent academic track record and shall be creative and highly motivated. Another mandatory requirement for the position is a personal interest in computational/theoretical research. Good knowledge of solid-state chemistry or organic synthesis (depending on the PhD topics) and/or quantum chemistry/electronic structure theory would also be highly desirable. Hands-on experience with High Performance Computing is a plus.

Applications

Interested applicants are encouraged to send their application documents (letter of application, CV, academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education/diploma, description of research experience and motivation, names of at least two academic references) as one pdf document per e-mail to Christine Frayret (email: [email protected]). The selection procedure starts now and candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Applications will be considered till the three positions are filled.