The questions asked in this project are fundamental in nature, and lie at the intersection between chemistry, materials and planetary science: what are the environmental limits to prebiotically relevant chemistry? What is the structure of some simple, yet controversial, polymers? How did the first polypeptides form? One focus will be Saturn’s moon Titan, a unique natural laboratory in part reminiscent to the early Earth. The aim is to use quantum mechanical calculations and collaborate with experimentalists and planetary scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to shed light on these questions.

Specific objectives include: Perform calculations on molecular and periodic systems using density functional theory and ab initio methods and (1) Seek evidence for the structure, function and formation mechanisms of prebiotically relevant polymers from simple building blocks; (2) Develop collaborations with experimentalists and planetary scientists and compare computational predictions with laboratory measurements and observations of Saturn’s moon Titan; (3) Actively collaborate with other group members that develop procedures for computational materials design.

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers where research ranges from fundamentals to a level close to application in industry and society. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials to high temperature corrosion, catalysis and recycling. The Department is also heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. 

The details of the departmental research activities may be found at: 

http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/chem/research/Pages/researchstart.aspx

Qualifications: To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field such as theoretical chemistry, physical chemistry, physics or equivalent. Basic knowledge of quantum chemistry or condensed matter physics from an undergraduate education is a requirement. The successful candidate must have good communications skills, both oral and written, in English.

Application deadline: 15 June For questions, please contact:

Martin Rahm, Assistant professor, mail: [email protected]

More information and instructions on how to apply can be found here: http://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=5090