Applications are invited for a 34-month postdoctoral position based at Queen's University Belfast, to work in the field of Computational modelling of irradiation processes in biological matter. The position is available from 1^st July 2018.

The postdoc is part of the “ESC2RAD: Enabling Smart Computations to study space RADiation effects” project funded by the European Commission through a Research and Innovation Action. The partnership involves Dr Fabiana da Pieve and Dr Edith Botek, at BIRA – Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomie (Belgium), Prof. Emilio Artacho, at Nanogune and DIPC in San Sebastián (Spain), and Prof. Jorge Kohanoff at Queen's University Belfast (UK). The project aims at developing a next-generation space radiation predictive tool based on the combination of Space environment tools and first-principles approaches from the materials science/chemical physics community. The role of the postdoc based in Belfast will be to calculate electronic stopping power in DNA models using TDDFT for a variety of ions present in cosmic radiation, and to study damage (bond breaking) due to reactive species generated by irradiation using mostly first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. The ultimate goal is to define damage descriptors that can be incorporated into the Space environment tools. This will be done in collaboration with the Belgian colleagues, using Monte Carlo track simulation tools like Geant4.

Applicants should have a PhD in Physics, Chemistry or another relevant discipline. A good background in electronic structure and computer simulations is essential. Experience in time-dependent DFT and first-principles molecular dynamics is highly desirable. Knowledge of Monte Carlo track simulation methods is also desirable. The candidate will be based at Queen University Belfast, and will collaborate closely with the researchers at BIRA (Brussels), also interacting at a methodological level with the researchers at Nanogune (San Sebastián). This collaboration will involve travel to Belgium and Spain.

Applicants should complete an online application form here, where full criteria are specified.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof. Jorge Kohanoff ([email protected])

Anticipated interview date: Monday 11^th June 2018

Salary scale: £32,548 - £36,613 per annum (including contribution points)

Closing date: Tuesday 22^nd May 2018