Applications are invited for two PhD positions in the upcoming Applied Physics program at the Advanced Materials Group (Department of Control Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague) to work on the application of computational methods to the study of sliding contact properties of 2D layered materials based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE GROUP:
Advanced Materials Group is a well-established group which pioneers solid lubrication, and, particularly, structural design of self-adaptive coatings. The computational subgroup is growing and it consists of young and motivated researchers working on various but interconnected topics. Computational approaches adopted by the researchers range from ab initio electronic structure calculations to massive classical molecular dynamics simulations.

OBJECTIVES:
The project focuses on Computational Materials Science and the main goal is the modeling of the properties of self-lubricant materials with particular attention paid to TMDs. Examples of PhD projects include: i) empirical force field development and assessment for self-lubricant materials; ii) dynamical simulations of systems under sliding conditions; iii) ab initio calculations of electronic and dynamical properties of heterostructured TMDs; iv) study of the role of structural dynamics on heat diffusion, energy dissipation and layer exfoliation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Successful candidates must have an MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a solid background in physical chemistry/physics. Knowledge of atomistic simulation codes is a plus. Programming experience in widely-used scientific languages (Fortran, C, C++) together with knowledge of shell scripting in UNIX environment is also desirable. Good knowledge of English, both written and oral, is compulsory.

CONTRACT DETAILS:
The salary will be competitive (about 19 000 CZK). The standard period for a PhD course is 4 years.

HOW TO APPLY:
The call is directed at EU applicants (although applications from outstanding candidates outside of the EU will also be considered) and the position will be filled as soon as a proper candidate is found – the starting date is fairly flexible. Applications should consist of a brief description of research interests and relevant experience (e.g. the transcript of studies, thesis etc), a CV and, optionally, letters of recommendation from academic referees. Inquiries and applications must be sent to [email protected]