The following positions are available in the Materials Theory group at ETH Zürich at either the postdoctoral or PhD level. To apply please upload a letter of interest indicating which position you are interested in and why, your CV and (where applicable) publication list, and the names and email addresses of 2 references to one of the following web-sites as appropriate:

Postdoc positions: https://apply.refline.ch/845721/4693/pub/1/index.html
PhD positions: https://apply.refline.ch/845721/4691/pub/1/index.html

Position 1 – Dark Matter Detection via Electronic Structure Theory. A promising and largely unexplored alternative to the paradigm of WIMP dark matter is that dark matter exists at an energy scale for which interactions with electrons, rather than atomic nuclei, are possible. In this project we will study the interaction of new hypothetical dark matter particles with electrons in solids by implementing the interaction of their proposed Langrangians with the electronic subsystem within the density functional formalism. Our ultimate goal is to optimize materials for Dark Matter detection. The project involves collaboration with the theoretical astroparticle physics group of Riccardo Catena at Chalmers University, Sweden and the electronic structure group of Emilio Artacho at NanoGune in San Sebastian, Spain.

Position 2 – First principles-based study of multi-caloric effects. Application of magnetic, electric, or stress fields can lead to significant temperature changes in materials close to a ferroic phase transition. Such giant caloric effects have great potential for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly cooling devices. In this project, we will use effective model Hamiltonians derived from first principles calculations to study the caloric response of ferroic materials. A particular focus is on "multi-caloric" effects where either an applied field can couple to multiple ferroic order parameters or where application of multiple external fields can lead to an optimized caloric response. The work will also involve a certain amount of programming/code development. The project is part of the focus program "Ferroic Cooling" established by the German Science Foundation and involves collaborations with several other groups (both experimental and theoretical) within the focus program. This position is offered at the postdoctoral level, only.

Position 3 – Coupled and Competing Instabilities in Complex Oxides. Using a combination of electronic structure and phenomenological theories we will explore the competition and cooperation between structural, electronic, superconducting, ferroelectric and magnetic instabilities in transition metal oxides, with a particular focus on perovskite-structure titanates. Our aim is to understand the mechanism of possibly exotic superconductivity and related functionalities in these materials, as well as how to optimize and control the behaviors with external perturbations such as light. This project is in collaboration with the group of Sasha Balatsky at Nordita in Stockholm, Sweden. A background / interest in both many-body physics and electronic structure theory is desirable.

Position 4 – Advanced Electronic Structure Methods for defects in transition-metal oxides. This position is at the intersection between two focus areas in the group: (i) Understanding the interplay between defect chemistry, epitaxial strain, and functionality in complex oxides, and (ii) Development of practical beyond-DFT methods based on dynamical mean field theory (DMFT) to describe correlated electrons. In this project we will explore the applicability of DMFT methods for describing the often correlated electrons associated with point defects. The work will involve programming and code development, as well as basic physics and application to materials problems. The project is part of the Swiss-wide National Center for Competence in Research in Materials Design, MARVEL.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until all positions are filled. For more details, contact Nicola Spaldin (positions 1, 3, and 4) or Claude Ederer (positions 2 and 4). More information about the Materials Theory group can be found here.