PhD fellowship – Theoretical Chemistry / Physics – method/software development

Updated: about 2 years ago
Deadline: ;

The Theoretical Chemistry group of Lucas Visscher of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has a vacancy for a PhD project on the development of new computational methods to study exciton quenching in OLED materials. In this PhD project focus will be on electronic structure methods, extending (time-dependent) Density Functional Theory methods and treatment of spin-orbit couplings for open-shell molecules. For this purpose, we’re looking for an outstanding MSc graduate with a strong background in theoretical chemistry or physics as well as experience with modern programming techniques.

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 1 - 1


Job description

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of methods and software to advance the field of modelling electronic excited states with DFT-based methods in general, and in particular to study the various mechanisms of exciton decay in organic materials. Starting point is the efficient TD-DFT implementation in ADF, which was recently extended to GW and BSE. In this project we will focus on computing rates for the triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) and triplet-polaron quenching (TPQ) processes to aid in the prediction of performance of OLED materials. 

Your duties

  • extend the time-dependent DFT method to treat triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) and triplet-polaron quenching (TPQ) processes
  • apply this approach to to aid in the prediction of performance of OLED materials
  • publish results in the form of scientific papers and a PhD thesis
  • write documented, clean and efficient source code

Requirements
  • being able to quickly grasp complex mathematical ideas in scientific publications and improve upon them
  • algorithm and software development skills, combined with a thorough knowledge of physics, chemistry and electronic structure (DFT) methods
  • MSc degree in Theoretical Physics or Theoretical Chemistry
  • good written and verbal communication skills in the English language

What are we offering?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts € 2,434 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,111 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended to a total duration of 4 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

  • a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
  • participation in ABP pension scheme 
  • 8% holiday allowance
  • 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • Wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge,
  • contribution to commuting expenses

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

About the department, institute, project
The theoretical chemistry division of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences provides a lively international environment comprising about 40 researchers who work on a wide variety of topics. This project is part of the NWO-funded project SEQUOIA in collaboration with the Eindhoven University of Technology, and the scientific software companies SCM and Simbeyond.


Application

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until

January 20, 2022

. The job interviews are planned for week 4, January 24 till 28, when possible please take them into when applying for the position.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Brigitte Niehe
Position: Office Manager
E-mail: [email protected] l
Telephone:0031205989250

No agencies



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