PhD position in atomistic modelling of tribological processes - Fraunhofer IWM, Freiburg (Germany)

The Multiscale Modelling and Tribosimulation group (Prof. Michael Moseler) at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM (http://www.en.iwm.fraunhofer.de) in Freiburg announces an open PhD position.

Job description

The PhD candidate will be part of the Multiscale Modelling and Tribosimulation group in the Tribology business unit at Fraunhofer IWM.

Motivated by the stringent need to increase the energy efficiency of everyday technologies, we work on a variety of energy- and tribology-related subjects, with the commitment to perform excellent fundamental research on problems of great technological interest. Our main goal is to understand the basic physical and chemical processes underlying the macroscopic tribological properties of materials. To achieve this goal, we use a multiscale simulation approach and combine different atomistic simulation methods, mathematical models and experimental investigations.

Typical research topics include the optimisation of friction properties through chemical functionalisation and topographic structuring of technological surfaces; the study of tribochemical reactions between lubricants and surfaces and their influence on friction, wear and corrosion; the investigation of the chemical and structural transformations that occur in a material under mechanical load.

Our multiscale approach implies the use of quantum-mechanical simulation methods (density functional theory and tight binding) as well as of reactive and non-reactive classical force fields. The simulation results are often fed into continuum numerical models that are able to access technologically relevant time and length scales.

Your qualification

You should have a Master degree in physics, chemistry, material science or a related discipline. A scientific approach and good analytical skills should characterise your way of working. Enthusiasm is a key feature both as a team player and as a young scientist who is able to progress independently. Some experience in computational physics or chemistry (preferably at the atomistic level), in programming (preferably C++/Fortran/Python) and in the UNIX/Linux environment would definitely be a plus.

Further information

We offer attractive research projects and career opportunities to dedicated young scientists. Our research is funded by both public agencies and industrial companies and benefits from our network of national and international research partners, as well as from close cooperation with outstanding experimental groups within the MikroTribologie Centrum µTC (http://www.mikrotribologiecentrum.de). More information about the group can be found on our homepage:

http://www.en.iwm.fraunhofer.de/business-units/tribology/multiscale-modeling-and-tribosimulation/

The university town of Freiburg is one of the most popular cities in Germany. It is ideally located in the “Dreiländereck”, between the Black Forest and the Rhine river, in close proximity to the French and Swiss borders. The city offers a manifold of scientific, cultural and outdoor activities, thus creating a pleasant and stimulating atmosphere for work and leisure.

The position is immediately available. Applications will be considered until a suitable candidate is found.

The salary is based on the TVöD EG13.

We are looking forward to your application which should be sent to Prof. Michael Moseler ([email protected]).