Applications are invited for two PhD positions in the framework of the Marie Curie-Skłodowská action (ITN-SOLUTION project) in Applied Physics at the Advanced Materials Group (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).

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 topics 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.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Given that the positions are funded by the European Commission on a H2020-MSCA-ITN,
eligibility restrictions apply:

• Experience: Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) shall, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree which would formally entitle him or her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited.

• Mobility Rule: at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

• Each ESR will be supported by the project for a maximum of 36 months.

• All ESRs will take part in a secondment to another project partner for up to 30% of their appointment period (see below).

• Mobility Allowances and Family Allowances (dependant on family circumstances) are payable to ESRs.

SECONDMENTS:

At least two secondments of 2 months each to the collaborating partners will be organised during the project.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties which are broadly in line with the above duties responsibilities.

We offer:

• 3-year EU-funded inter-disciplinary position

• Salary: This position is funded by a Marie Curie Initial Training Network initiative. Salary is about € 2000 plus € 600 mobility allowance. An additional € 500 family allowance may be payable depending on circumstances.

The successful candidates will benefit from a wide-ranging training programme featuring local, network-wide, and external activities with many opportunities for travel to the other European partners in the network. In addition to top-level specific scientific training in the disciplines, techniques and topics investigated at each node, such a programme will include (but is not limited to) attendance to international schools, exchanges and secondments to other nodes, specific training on transferable skills, and in particular courses on scientific communication (e.g. scientific writing for publications, and presentation skills) and training on intellectual property rights protection.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:
The positions will be filled as soon as proper candidates are found – the starting date is expected to be in September 2017. Applications should consist of a motivation letter, CV and, optionally, letters of recommendation from academic referees. Inquiries and applications should be sent to: [email protected]