Six-months internship at CEA-Leti, Grenoble: Influence of local atomic structure on XPS spectrum using ab initio calculations 

We offer a 6-months internship at CEA-Leti to study the influence of local atomic structure on XPS. 

Context: 

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a useful and common experimental tool to characterize the chemical composition of materials by detecting the energy level of electron core states. Recent XPS experiments performed at CEA-Leti show that the electron core levels in an alloy material with dopant are shifted systematically with the doping concentration and the alloy mixing ratio. Such a fact suggests that XPS experiments may give more information on the local atomic structure other than the standard chemical composition.

Work description:

In this internship, you will explore the structural dependence of the XPS spectra using ab initio methods, such as density functional theory (DFT) and many-body perturbation theory (GW). Besides theoretical simulations, you have access to experimental results for comparison and interact with experts in XPS.

Expected profile:

If you are the last year student of a Master degree or an Engineering diploma with a major in Physics, Chemistry, or relevant domain; 

if you are curious and passionate about scientific research; 

if you are fluent in English and capable in coding, 

please send your CV and a motivation letter to Benoit Sklénard ([email protected] ) and Jing Li ([email protected]) before the 15th-Nov-2020. 

Recruitment process:

We will evaluate all applications and contact only short-listed candidates for an interview. The internship is expected to start at the beginning of February-2021 (the starting date could be negotiated). We offer a dynamic research environment, necessary training on ab initio methods, and the possibility to continue as a Ph.D. student after the internship.