The Nanostructure Physics Group at the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, announces an opening for a PhD position in the area of ab initio modeling of surfaces and interfaces. Selected features of surfaces and interfaces (like interactions with molecules, reactivity, and suitability for catalysis) of bulk surfaces, 2D materials, or nanoparticles will be studied by density functional theory and beyond.

Field: Physics of Nanostructures, Computational Materials Science

University: University of Ostrava

Location: Ostrava, Czech Republic

Website of supervisor: https://nano.osu.cz/frantisek-karlicky/

What We Offer

• A fully-funded PhD position
• Membership in the Nanostructure Physics Group (https://nano.osu.cz)
• Access to supercomputing facilities
• Opportunities to participate in teaching activities
• Involvement in the Life & Environment Research Center Ostrava project, specifically within Research Program 3 – Modeling and Simulations (https://lerco.osu.eu/29453/modeling-and-simulation/)

Requirements:

• A strong background in computational physics, materials science, quantum chemistry, or related fields.
• A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned or related disciplines.
• Experience with atomistic simulations using periodic plane-wave codes (e.g., VASP, Quantum Espresso, Abinit) or periodic local-orbital codes (e.g., Crystal, Siesta, DFTB+)
• Proficient written and oral communication skills in English.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Admission Procedure: the admission process begins with the submission of your application materials to [email protected] with the e-mail title: "PhD position in ab initio modeling of surfaces" by the 5th of May, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps.

Application Must Include:

• A detailed CV.
• A publication list.
• A cover letter detailing research interests, motivation, relevant expertise, and any other pertinent information.
• Names of two established researchers who can provide letters of recommendation.
• A completed form detailing experiences beyond basic academic requirements. [Download PDF or DOCX]

Optional Attachments:

• Diploma and diploma supplement (scans).
• Diploma thesis with supervisor’s and opponent’s assessments (PDF).
• Evaluation from the supervisor regarding the applicant's cooperation (signed PDF with contact details).
• Letters of recommendation (signed PDFs).
• Proof of English proficiency (ideally an internationally recognized certificate).

Next Steps in Admission:

• Shortlisted applicants will receive a task to complete.
• Applicants submitting high-quality work will be invited for an online interview.
• Further steps in the admission process will be communicated individually.