Are you a highly motivated student looking forward to doing research in a collaborative setting? Are you interested in the understanding and discovery of new quantum materials using state-of-the-art computational methods?

The group Ab Initio Quantum Materials (AIQM), led by Dr Irene Aguilera, is looking for an ambitious PhD student to work on the description of novel topological materials using state-of-the-art first-principles methods based on density functional theory (DFT) and many-body perturbation theory (MBPT).

Applications are now open for a 4-year PhD position at the AIQM group. The group is part of the Condensed Matter Theory group at the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) and Institute of Physics (IoP) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The research will be embedded in a stimulating environment including leading groups in condensed matter theory and experiment.

In this project, you will:

• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• do original research in the field of topological matter, with a focus on magnetic topological insulators both in bulk and film geometries;
• perform calculations of electronic, optical, magnetic, and topological properties of topological materials with DFT and MBPT in the GW and GT approximations;
• be actively involved in the adaptation of existing computational methods if required by the progress of the project;
• participate in various local and international collaborations including a close collaboration with the experimental groups at the IoP and with the developers of the ab initio codes from Forschungszentrum Juelich in Germany;
• use the computational infrastructures at Lisa (Amsterdam) and JURECA (Juelich);
• publish articles in international, refereed, academic journals;
• present your research results at international workshops and conferences;
• assist in teaching undergraduates and Master’s students.

Your experience and profile:

• a Master degree in theoretical physics;
• a background in theoretical condensed matter physics;
• solid programming skills;
• the ability to work independently and to collaborate in a collegial research environment;
• a highly motivated, passionate, and ambitious attitude;
• excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Additional experience with computational condensed matter techniques is appreciated, as well as some experience with DFT calculations.

Details and application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. In the link below you can also find more details about the vacancy. We accept applications until and including the 15 June 2022. The interviews will be held between the 21 and 24 of June 2022.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered:

https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/PhD-Position-in-Computational-Condensed-Matter-Physics/746479102/

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact Dr Irene Aguilera via email to [email protected]