PhD student in First-principles electrochemistry

Applications are welcomed for a joint experimental/theoretical PhD studentship on computational modeling of electrochemical biomolecule detection. The research will be carried out at Aalto University, Finland in collaboration between Microsystem Technology group (headed by Associate professor Tomi Laurila, http://eea.aalto.fi/en/research/microsystem/) at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation and Computational Soft and Molecular Matter group (headed by Dr. Olga Lopez-Acevedo, http://physics.aalto.fi/groups/comp/csmm/) at the COMP (Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience).

Microsystem Technology group focuses on the development of hybrid nanocarbon electrodes with high sensitivity and selectivity towards detection of neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine. Dopamine plays a major role in a number of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and improving our detection capability for this substance is of major scientific and technological interest. This work is done in an eminently multidisciplinary international collaboration with a wide network of researchers in materials chemistry, nanofabrication and characterization, analytical electrochemistry, biomaterials science, and neuroscience.

In order to complement and guide the experimental work, computational atomistic simulations are heavily utilized. This task is carried out in close collaboration with Computational Soft and Molecular Matter group at the COMP Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience. The present project consists of applying computational approaches, such as molecular dynamics simulations to develop and improve our understanding of the interaction between biomolecules and amorphous carbon (a-C) electrodes at the atomic level. The project also involves designing and carrying out key experiments to complement and verify the theoretical calculations. The project will target phenomena such as adsorption and electron transfer, and developing a combined theoretical and experimental strategy towards gaining fundamental insight into these processes.

The successful applicant will therefore meet the profile of an experimentalist with interest in computational modeling of electrochemistry or a theoretician with a keen interest in taking direct part in experimental validation. He or she should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, or related fields. Proficiency in using computers is a strong requirement and skills such as programming and familiarity with Linux are highly desirable. The applicant will be expected to develop and expand these skills as the PhD program progresses. Previous experience with electronic structure calculations or molecular dynamics codes on the one hand, or experimental electrochemistry on the other, is also considered as an advantage. A strong command of written and spoken English is absolutely necessary, as is the predisposition to work as part of a team and to communicate the results of the research as written publications and at selected international conferences.

The position will be located at the Aalto University Otaniemi Campus at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation located in Micronova. Aalto University is a new university with over a century of experience. Created from a high-profile merger between three leading universities in Finland – the Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Art and Design Helsinki – Aalto University opens up new possibilities for strong multidisciplinary education and research. The university has 20 000 students and a staff of 5 000 including 370 professors.

Salary is based on the university salary scheme. The contract includes occupational health and social security benefits. The position is contract-based. The doctoral candidate will be granted a two-year contract first, followed by an extension for another two-year period after intermediate evaluation. The total duration of the position is thus four years. More information on the PhD program at Aalto University is available from https://into.aalto.fi/display/endoctoralelec/Homepage

If you are interested in applying the position, please send your application with

- Cover letter

- CV

- PDF's of your main publications if some

- Diploma certificate

You may also include:

-Letters of recommendation (max. 2)

Recommended document file type is .pdf. Name your documents as follows: lastname_firstname_filename_YYYY-MM-DD.pdf (eg. smith_john_cv_2013-07-04.pdf)

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2015. The position will be filled as soon afterwards as possible.

Aalto University reserves the right to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

For more information please contact Prof. Tomi Laurila or Dr. Olga Lopez-Acevedo. In recruitment process related questions contact HR Coordinator Jaana Hänninen. Email: [email protected]