Postdoctoral Position in First Principles Calculations of Superhard, Superconducting or Quantum Materials at Extreme Conditions (SUNY at Buffalo, USA)

Postdoctoral positions are available in the group of Eva Zurek (https://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~ezurek/) to theoretically study materials at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature, superhard or quantum materials. The postdoctoral fellows will carry out first-principles calculations to understand extreme chemistry, and study the revolutionary properties of these materials, in close collaboration with leading experimentalists in static and dynamic compression, as well as surface science.

The project can entail one (or a combination) of the following:
- development and/or application of algorithms for crystal structure prediction
- first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of matter at conditions of extreme temperatures and pressures
- studies of the chemical bonding and properties of compressed matter
- modelling molecules adsorbed on surfaces
- calculation of superconducting properties of hydrogen rich compounds
- development and/or application of machine learning towards materials discovery
- high-throughput calculations

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The initial contract will be for one year, with a possible extension upon mutual agreement.

A PhD in computational chemistry, solid state physics, materials science, or a closely related area is required. I am looking for a creative individual whose strength lies in the application of periodic and molecular program packages (first principles, DFT and others). Good communication and writing skills in English are required.

Buffalo is a lively city located in the western part of the State of New York, USA, near the Canadian border. The greater Buffalo area has a population of about a million. There are many local attractions, galleries and museums, annual events and festivals, and recreational sites within easy reach. E.g. the nearest skiing resorts as well as the Niagara Falls are reached by car within 30 to 45 minutes. During the winter we are blessed with descent amounts of good quality snow for winter sports. Across the Canadian border, Toronto is close enough for a day trip.

If you wish to apply for the position please email your resume to [email protected]. If it appears that we have compatible research interests I will subsequently ask you to arrange for two letters of recommendation from current and former research supervisors to be emailed to me.