We are searching for a highly motivated candidate for the following position:

PhD Student (m/f/d), Computational Self-Assembly of Nanomaterials

The successful applicant will join the interdisciplinary Self-Organization Processes (SOP) research group at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). Members of the research group currently work on nanomaterials design, crystallization processes, colloidal soft matter, computational statistical mechanics, and computational geometry.

This PhD project aims to understand the role of strain accumulation affected by defects, lattice mismatch, and geometric frustration in experiments of our collaborators in Germany and the USA. The research will provide quantitative insights into thermodynamic and kinetic factors of the growth of nanocrystals into determined shapes. Research techniques involve particle-based methods (molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo), and coarse-grained modeling. New simulation algorithms will be applied and developed.

Qualified PhD applicants must have a Master’s degree in Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Experience in simulation and computer programming (C/C++, Python) is desirable. An interest in mathematics and physical sciences is required.

FAU offers the opportunity to work in an outstanding research university with innovative academic structures. Salary is in accordance with the German public service salary scale and the accordant social benefits. The position is available starting February 2024. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

For further information, please see our webpage: http://engellab.de and contact Dr. Carlos L. Bassani and Prof. Michael Engel.

To apply, send your CV, cover letter, one-page summary of your Master's thesis, certificates, and two references (people who may be contacted, specify the relation to you) via email to: [email protected].