PhD Position in Computational Condensed Matter Physics

Introduction

Are you a highly motivated student looking forward to doing research in a collaborative setting? Are you interested in the understanding and discovery of new quantum materials using state-of-the-art computational methods?

The group Ab Initio Quantum Materials (AIQM), led by Dr Irene Aguilera, is looking for an ambitious PhD student to work on the description of novel topological materials using state-of-the-art first-principles methods based on density functional theory (DFT) and many-body perturbation theory (MBPT).

Applications are now open for a 4-year PhD position at the AIQM group. The group is part of the Condensed Matter Theory group at the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) and Institute of Physics (IoP) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The research will be embedded in a stimulating environment including leading groups in condensed matter theory and experiment.

What are you going to do

In this project, you will:

• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• do original research in the field of topological matter, with a focus on magnetic topological insulators both in bulk and film geometries;
• perform calculations of electronic, optical, magnetic, and topological properties of topological materials with DFT and MBPT in the GW and GT approximations. The calculations will be performed with the codes FLEUR and SPEX (www.judft.de);
• be actively involved in the adaptation of existing computational methods if required by the progress of the project;
• participate in various local and international collaborations including a close collaboration with the experimental groups at the IoP and with the developers of the ab initio codes from Forschungszentrum Juelich in Germany;
• use the computational infrastructures at Lisa (Amsterdam) and JURECA (Juelich);
• publish articles in international, refereed, academic journals;
• present your research results at international workshops and conferences;
• assist in teaching undergraduates and Master’s students.

What do we require

Your experience and profile:

• a Master degree in theoretical physics;
• a background in theoretical condensed matter physics;
• solid programming skills;
• the ability to work independently and to collaborate in a collegial research environment;
• a highly motivated, passionate, and ambitious attitude;
• excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Additional experience with computational condensed matter techniques is appreciated, as well as some experience with DFT calculations.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2,443 to €3,122 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.
  

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Institute of Physics (IoP) is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international centre of excellence.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Dr Irene Aguilera, email: [email protected]

T: +31 20 525 8330

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including the 15 June 2022.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file ):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• transcript of grades;
• a pdf copy of your Master thesis (or a preliminary version, or at least a summary);
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation. The referees will only be contacted if you are shortlisted.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held between the 21 and 24 of June 2022.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.