A 4-year PhD student position is available in the Luber group at the Department of Chemistry at University of Zurich (Switzerland). 


About the group and project

Our group focuses on forefront computational methods at the interface of chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science. For more details, see 
http://luber-group.com. 

The PhD project will deal with development and application of novel, accurate approaches for the study of functional catalytic compounds. 
A possible direction of the project is the development of advanced dynamic approaches for detailed and realistic study of reaction mechanisms 
and reaction networks considering in a sophisticated manner environmental effects (also under catalytic conditions). 
This can include the development of forefront enhanced sampling and machine learning approaches. 
Our group has broad experience in modelling of reactions using DFT-MD, catalysis (such as water splitting), spectroscopy, excited states, and 
development of various other methodologies (e.g. in the CP2K package). 
The project(s) may be carried out in close collaboration with experimental or other computational groups, for instance within the NCCR catalysis.

Candidate Requirements

The candidate must hold an excellent Masters degree in chemistry, interdisciplinary natural sciences, physics, or related, and 
have profound English and autonomous learning ability skills. The successful candidate will be highly creative, ambitious, and motivated. 
Strong programming skills and very good knowledge about electronic structure theory, (ab initio) molecular dynamics, catalysis, and machine learning are an advantage. 
We offer a vibrant, inspiring environment in a brand-new building with cutting-edge resources and research, access to world-leading supercomputers, and 
high-profile interdisciplinary collaborations. Funding for the participation at summer schools, conferences etc. is also available.

Interested applicants are encouraged to send their application documents (cover letter, CV, diplomas, 
description of research experience and motivation, names of at least two academic references) as one pdf document 
per E-mail to Prof. Sandra Luber (email: sandra.luber~!~uzh.ch). 
The pdf can also include a one-page statement discussing one or two publications of the group with respect to 
what the applicant finds particularly interesting and what could be possible future improvements of the research described in the publication(s). 
Applications arriving before June 30th will be considered preferentially, later applications will be examined until the position is filled. 
Start date: by agreement.