MODES (Research group of Prof. Abhishek Khetan) is offering a PhD position (E13 TV-L, 75 %) for excellent candidates (f/m/d) in area of multiscale computational modelling of heterogeneous catalysis. The project will be focused on the thermal and catalytic properties of perovskite and oxide-based catalyst materials. Of special interest are “Strong metal-support interaction” effects upon transition-metal doping and uncovering reaction mechanisms for CO2-to-CH4 conversion, CO oxidation as well as NOx conversion in automotive exhaust gas.

Within the project, the doctoral student will perform simulation driven investigation of material properties using world-class supercomputing facilities of Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University. The tasks include performing first-principles simulations of gas-solid interfaces, development of cluster-expansion models, and micro-kinetic modelling. The work will be performed in close collaboration with experimental scientists from the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry (IAC) and the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC) at RWTH Aachen. Participation in the preparation of courses, teaching duties, and administrative duties are expected.

This is one of two PhD positions currently available in the group. The PhD position is initially offered for 3 years with a possibility of extension up to a maximum of 4.5 years. The application deadline is 29.08.2021 and the starting date is as soon as possible. The candidates selected after the first screening round following application with the required documents will be contacted for interviews. These candidates are expected to give a short online presentation of 30 (25 mins presentation + 5 mins questions) on a selected research topic which will be followed by a personal interview of 30 mins.

Applications should include degree transcripts and certificates, proof of language skills in English, a detailed curriculum vita with information on awards, presentations, publications, a short  motivation letter and at least two letters of recommendation. The motivation letter should be a MS-Word/PDF document of max. of 2 pages with single spaced text of size 12 in font Calibri or Times. Qualified candidates are asked to submit their application electronically (as a single PDF file) via email to [email protected]. Please include the words “PhD-MODES” in the subject of your email.

More info : https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/Die-RWTH/Arbeiten-an-der-RWTH/Jobboerse/~kbag/JOB-Einzelansicht/file/34558/