The Astrophysics & Cosmology Group and the Condensed Matter group at SISSA (Trieste, Italy) invite applications for a multidisciplinary Post-Doctoral Position which will last for three years, starting in 2024. The aim of the project is to provide the best possible characterization of the physics of molecular Hydrogen formation on the surface of the amorphous carbonaceous grains constituting the dust component of the Interstellar medium. Modeling the dust grain as an amorphous structure and characterizing its binding sites and energies, will require methods and knowledge of Condensed matter physics and molecular dynamics simulations. The formation of molecules on dust grain surfaces in astrophysical environments is a deeply cross-disciplinary topic: SISSA will support the work pathway of the selected candidate through the collaboration with members of both Condensed Matter and Astrophysics & Cosmology groups. The resulting legacy information will be essential to all the Astrochemistry networks, and will have the opportunity to be tested against a plethora of astrophysics observations and data, as those of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Positions can start anytime in 2024, and have a duration of two years, subject to extension to three years.
The ideal applicants at SISSA are expected to work on molecular dynamics simulations, being willing to extend their expertise to applications in Astrophysical environments.

The International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) is a leading research and training institution (PhD School) located in Trieste, Italy. The campus is in a green area on the hills close to Trieste and is efficiently connected to the city by public transport. SISSA offers to its community top tier research facilities (e.g. High Performance Computing facilities) and services (canteen and kindergarten services located on site). The Physics Area at SISSA has connections with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and the National Council for Research (CNR). SISSA is also a founding member of several research Institutes such as IFPU, IGAP and TQT. More information on research in Physics at SISSA can be found at http://www.sissa.it.

Interested candidates are invited to send detailed information (Curriculum Vitae, Publication List, Research Statement, names of three Referees) to
Stefano de Gironcoli ([email protected], Condensed Matter) or
Francesca Perrotta ([email protected], Astrophysics & Cosmology).
Formal opening of the position will follow upon identification of suitable candidates.