A (senior) postdoc position is available in the Department of Chemistry at University of Zurich (Switzerland).

Our group focuses on forefront computational methods at the interface of chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science (for more information, see http://luber-group.com , https://www.chem.uzh.ch/en/research/groups/luber.html ). In particular dynamic approaches (using, for instance, state-of-the-art DFT-molecular dynamics) for an accurate realistic description of compounds have been in focus of our research.

Your responsibilities

The project will deal with development of challenging approaches, for instance, in the field of spectroscopy and/or accurate study of functional compounds (e.g. for environmentally friendly hydrogen production). Possible directions for the project are the development of pioneering spectroscopic approaches by means of forefront dynamic methods, efficient excited state dynamics or highly accurate (wavefunction-based) methods for complex systems such as catalysts in the framework of sustainable energy research. The projects may be carried out in close collaboration with experimental or other computational groups. We are, for instance, involved in the "Solar light to chemical energy conversion" (www.lightchec.uzh.ch) priority program.

Your profile

The candidate must hold an excellent PhD and MSc degree in chemistry, interdisciplinary natural sciences, physics, or related, and have profound English and autonomous learning ability skills. The successful candidate will be highly creative, ambitious, motivated, and able to work independently. Excellent programming skills and experience in high performance computing and method development, in particular for electronic structure theory / ab initio molecular dynamics (ideally with CP2K), are essential. 

What we offer

We offer a 1-year contract with possible extension, a competitive salary as well as a vibrant, inspiring environment in a brand-new building with cutting-edge resources and research, access to world-leading supercomputers, and high-profile interdisciplinary collaborations. Moreover, the postdoc will be involved in supervision of (PhD) student(s).

How to apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to send their application documents (cover letter, CV, diplomas, description of research experience/interests and motivation, names of at least two academic references, publication list) as one pdf document per e-mail to Prof. Sandra Luber ([email protected]). The pdf should also include a one-page statement discussing one or two publications of the group with respect to what the applicant finds particularly interesting and what could be possible future improvements of the research described in the publication(s).