AMG Job opportunities

OPENING POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

Theoretical computation of structural and electronic properties of photovoltaic materials

The CENTER OF ADVANCED PHOTOVOLTAICS of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in theoretical computation of structural and electronic properties of photovoltaic materials. The work will involve theoretical modelling of electronic states and the interaction between silicon and a molecular dipole on the surface. The focus will be on a quantitative description of the energy transfer from an excited molecular state to excite electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor, similar to the resonance (Förster) energy transfer between molecules. Key quantity of interest is the static (ω = 0) dielectric constant / function at large values of the wave vector k. The calculation should take into account in detail the dielectric screening of the interaction as well the apparent bandgap (direct or indirect) which characterises the excitation of the electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor.

ABOUT THE WORKPLACE:

Center of Advanced Photovoltaics (CAP, cap.fel.cvut.cz) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague has been established to face challenges in the area of photovoltaics from atomistic models and novel solar cell designs to urbanistic and architectural concepts. The Center of Advanced Photovoltaics, in a close partnership with University of Southampton (U.K.), lays the foundation for prime research in theoretical and applied photovoltaics taking advantage of unique multidisciplinary environment. The Center is lead by experienced and recognized senior researchers, including prof. Tomas Markvart as the Center head, and supported by a dedicated administration team. The Center is an inherent part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, which is a workplace including 3500 students, 380 academic staff, and annual budget exceeding 840 million CZK. Study programs are taught in Czech as well as in English with a strong emphasis on international exchange and collaboration.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or closely related disciplines. Previous experience with DFT calculations, Green’s function- based techniques, and QM/MM or research in photovoltaics is highly welcome. Prior publications as the first author in recognized scientific journals, as well as good knowledge of English (both written and oral) are compulsory. Teamwork with Ph.D. and Master students is expected. Building up own research team is encouraged.

CONTRACT DETAILS:

The salary will be competitive (approx. 25,000 EUR/year plus employer bonus). The positions are initially for 2 years and can be prolonged upon mutual agreement. Project duration is 5 years.

HOW TO APPLY:

The call is open immediately and the position will be filled as soon as a proper candidate is found – the starting date is expected to be no later than Q4/2018. Applications must include a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, the CV with publications, and at least two letters of recommendation of academic referees. Inquiries and applications shall be sent to: advamatatfel [dot] cvut [dot] cz

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OPENING TWO POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

Molecular Simulations for lubrication

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Fellows in 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 various materials.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT:

The project core objective is reduction of friction by simulated-aided design of nanostructured materials. We
will explore interaction of surfaces with additives, contaminants, and pioneering novel tribological systems with
water as a lubricant. The project is carried out in close collaboration with a world-leading industrial partner and
combines different theoretical approaches in order to allow a rational design of surfaces and lubricants for
automotive applications. Experimental validations of the in silico predictions are also planned. The project will
as well link activities at the Czech Technical University in Prague with the University of Southampton, UK.

OBJECTIVES:

The final goal is to study the frictional behavior of complex surfaces (e.g., metal, oxides, ceramics, etc.) and
their interaction with selected molecules (i.e., water, oils, oil additives etc.) by means of classical molecular
dynamics simulations. In particular, one position will deal with the study of the interaction of selected oil
molecules with specific oxide surfaces, whilst the other position is more oriented toward the understanding of
molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of carbon-based materials with selected tribological additives.
Both crystalline and defective surfaces will be object of study.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Successful candidates must have a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or closely related disciplines.
Experience with classical molecular dynamics simulations (using LAMMPS package preferably) is mandatory.
Previous experience on the development of classical force fields and/or with the QM/MM method represents a
 plus. Researchers are expected to perform calculations on Linux-based HPC centers. Good knowledge of
English, both written and oral, is compulsory.

ABOUT THE GROUP:

Advanced Materials Group is formed of experimentalists and computationalists working on coatings and low-
dimensional systems for various applications. The group is well-established and consists of dynamic and
motivated researchers leading international collaborations on broad interdisciplinary topics. In case of
exceptional achievements, postdocs can be promoted to assistant professor (tenure track).

CONTRACT DETAILS:

The salary is competitive (approx. 25,000 EUR/year plus employer bonus). The positions are initially for 2 years
and can be prolonged upon mutual agreement. Project duration is 5 years.

HOW TO APPLY:

The call is open immediately and the position will be filled as soon as a proper candidate is found – the starting
date is expected to be no later than Q4/2018. Applications must include a brief description of research interests
and relevant experience, the CV with publications, and at least two letters of recommendation of academic
referees. Inquiries and applications shall be sent to: advamat @fel.cvut.cz

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OPENING POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

Nanostructure coating design by advanced magnetron sputtering

Applications are invited for Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Advanced Materials Group (Department of
Control Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague) to work on the
nanostructure coating design of coatings reducing friction and wear.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT:

The project core objective is reduction of friction by simulated-aided design of nanostructured sputtered
coatings. We will explore various nanostructures to achieve novel low-friction surfaces by controlled diffusion
or adaptive structure. The project is carried out in close collaboration with a world-leading industrial partner and
combines different theoretical approaches in order to allow a rational design of surfaces and lubricants for
automotive applications. The project will as well link activities at the Czech Technical University in Prague with
the University of Southampton, UK.

OBJECTIVES:

The goal is to develop the process (based on dc, r.f., and HiPIMS sputtering) leading to specific structural and
topographical features reducing friction in various contact conditions. Three material families will be
investigated: i) carbon-based films, ii) nitrides with accelerated/inhibited metal diffusion, and iii) oxides and
oxinitrides. Initial deposition will be performed at laboratory scale deposition chamber and selected solution will
be up-scaled in an industrial-size device.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Successful candidates must have a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related disciplines.
Experience with magnetron sputtering and thin film characterization (structure, mechanical properties) is
mandatory. Previous experience on the HiPIMS (theoretical or experimental) is welcome. Good knowledge of
English, both written and oral, is compulsory.

ABOUT THE GROUP:

Advanced Materials Group is formed of experimentalists and computationalists working on coatings and low-
dimensional systems for various applications. The group is well-established and consists of dynamic and
motivated researchers leading international collaborations on broad interdisciplinary topics. In case of
exceptional results, postdocs can be promoted to assistant professor (tenure track).
CONTRACT DETAILS:

The salary will be competitive (approx. 25,000 EUR/year plus employer bonus). The positions are initially for 2
years and can be prolonged upon mutual agreement. Project duration is 5 years.

HOW TO APPLY:

The call is open immediately and the position will be filled as soon as a proper candidate is found – the starting
date is expected to be no later than Q4/2018. Applications must include a brief description of research interests
and relevant experience, the CV with publications, and at least two letters of recommendation of academic
referees. Inquiries and applications shall be sent to: advamat @fel.cvut.cz

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In addition, we are always looking for PhD students.
Examples of research topic include (but are not limited to): 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; v) defect diffusion in nanostructured materials; vi) in silico design of smart self-assembling materials for photovoltaic applications.
In order to apply, please send us a brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, a CV and, optionally, letters of recommendation from academic referees to advamatatfel [dot] cvut [dot] cz.