We are looking for a motivated candidate to join the solid-state theory group at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Bern in Switzerland as a PhD student.

Your research in this Swiss National Science Foundation funded project will focus on understanding, at a fundamental level, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the surface and defect chemistry of complex oxide materials. This class of materials has, due to its chemical and structural flexibility, recently attracted increased interest for renewable energy applications. You will learn to use or extend your knowledge of electronic structure methods to study the surface structure and reactivity of different types of complex oxides.

The successful candidate should have excellent academic qualifications, good communication skills and a high level of self-motivation. The candidate should hold a master’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science or a closely related field, have a solid background in solid-state chemistry/physics and have a general curiosity to understand material properties at the most fundamental level. Prior experience with electronic structure calculations is a plus but by no means a requirement.

Please send your application, including CV, a short cover letter describing your motivation and how you qualify for the position as well as the contact details for at least two academic referees to [email protected].