Postdoctoral fellowship @ University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

Artificial photosynthesis for the production of high added-value chemicals.

Applications are invited for a  postdoctoral position at Department of Physics and Astronomy of  the University of Padova, Italy

The successful candidate will join the “Synergy” project founded by the Fondazione Cariparo through the “Progetti di Eccellenza 2018” call.  The scientific goal of the project is to expand the scope of artificial photosynthesis, currently dedicated to conversion of solar light into chemical fuels, to the preparation of high added value chemicals. The project has a strong experimental focus and the unit at the Department of Physics and Astronomy will provide insights to the experimentalists of the project.  

The main focus of the research will be the modelling of photosynthetic modules, for understanding  reaction mechanisms and kinetics together with the modelling of photoinduced electron transfert. DFT and post-DFT  (such as GW-BSE) approaches will be used.

The ideal candidate has a solid knowledge of electronic-structure theory and expertise in first-principles calculations based on density functional theory.  Specific experience in many-body perturbation theory approaches,  in computational spectroscopy, or in coding  will be an advantage. Other important qualities we are looking for include enthusiasm, scientific curiosity, good oral & written communication skills, and capacity to work in a multidisciplinary environment. Candidates must hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.

The appointment is for two years. The candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Paolo Umari .

Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates are invited to send their CV, a short summary of her/his scientific achievements (max 2 pages), a full list of publications and the name (with e-mail address) of two referees to Prof. Paolo Umari ([email protected]).