We invite applications for one PhD student for 3 years to work in the area of Computational Materials Science in the group of Prof. Miguel Marques at the RC FEMS of the Research Alliance Ruhr and ICAMS, Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), Germany.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work in the group of Prof. Miguel Marques on ab initio calculations of conventional superconductivity of novel materials and their modeling with machine learning methods. This involves:

• Developing and applying first-principles methods and advanced machine learning models to predict the superconducting properties of novel compounds. For recent research of the group on these topics, please refer to arXiv:2310.06804, Adv. Mat. (2023), Adv. Mater. 35, 2210788 (2023); Sci. Adv. 7, eabi7948 (2021)
• Participating in the SuperC project (https://superc2033.com/), collaborating with other SuperC participants and attending project meetings.
• Collaborating with with experimental groups at RC FEMS and at the Faculty of Physics, and strengthen the research activities of the Centre for Interface-Dominated High Performance Materials (ZGH).
• Writing scientific articles and present research results at conferences and workshops.
• To be involved in the supervision and training of bachelor and master students.
• Contributing to the writing of grant proposals.

Requirements

• Master degree in physics, theoretical chemistry, computational materials science, or related areas.
• Solid knowledge of quantum mechanics and theoretical solid state physics.
• Knowledge of density functional theory and/or many-body condensed matter physics (optional)
• Advanced programming skills (preferentially in python).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Readiness and enthusiasm to collaborate with the other team members and with experimental collaborators.
• We will favor curious and creative young researchers, with a strong motivation to shape the direction of the project.

What we offer

• A PhD position (TV‐L E13 ‐ salary agreement for public service employees, 75%). Funding is initially available for three years.
• A challenging and innovative research project which benefits from an international research environment, with a network of excellent collaborators.
• A rich training program to assist young researchers to develop as future independent scientists, including collaborative research stays, participation in international conferences, workshops and schools.

The successful applicant will become part of the research group of Prof. Miguel Marques at RC FEMS and ICAMS of the Ruhr University Bochum.

The research group of Prof. Miguel Marques is mostly interested in the use of materials informatics techniques to design new materials for specific technological applications. This is done by combining traditional ab-initio approaches with big data and machine-learning approaches.
The newly founded Research Center Future Energy Materials and Systems of the Research Alliance Ruhr focuses on developing innovative materials and systems for sustainable energy applications. The center's research areas include photovoltaics, thermoelectricity, energy storage, fuel cells, and sustainable chemical processes, among others. Their interdisciplinary approach involves collaborations between physicists, chemists, engineers, and material scientists to address the challenges of transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. The center also offers opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to participate in cutting-edge research projects and receive advanced training in the field of energy materials and systems. ICAMS focuses on the development and application of a new generation of simulation tools for multi-scale materials modeling with the aim of reducing development cost and time for new materials. Within the approach taken by ICAMS, the different length scales that are relevant for materials - from the atomic structure to macroscopic properties of materials - are bridged by an interdisciplinary team of scientists from engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Applications should be written in English. The application deadline is 19.12.2023 and the successful applicants are expected to start at the beginning of 2024.

Applications should include: (1) Curriculum Vitae, (2) a copy of all university degrees and other certificates as well as transcripts from undergraduate studies, (3) one or more reference letters that are to be sent by email to [email protected].

For further information do not hesitate to contact Prof. Miguel Marques: [email protected]