ERC-funded postdoc position on development of excited state and molecular dynamics methods, University of Iceland

9 Feb 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Iceland, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Department

Chemistry Division of the Institute of Physical Sciences

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Chemistry » Computational chemistry
Chemistry » Reaction mechanisms and dynamics
Physics » Chemical physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions

Postdoc Positions

Country

Iceland

Application Deadline

9 Mar 2025 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - ERC

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

A postdoc position is available in the physical and theoretical chemistry group of Research Assistant Prof. Gianluca Levi (https://gialev.github.io/ ) at the Science Institute of the University of Iceland. The position is part of the 2024 ERC starting grant project NEXUS “New excited state methods for overcoming challenges in sunlight conversion”. 

The selected candidate will contribute to advancing and developing innovative methods for calculating excited electronic states and simulating nonadiabatic photoinduced dynamics of atoms and electrons. The methods will be based on an orbital-optimized formulation of density functional theory for excited states and implemented in electronic structure packages, such as GPAW. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the groups of Research Assistant Prof. Elvar Ö Jónsson and Prof. Hannes Jónsson at the University of Iceland. 

The developed methods will be applied to simulate photoinduced processes in condensed phase and to assist the interpretation of time-resolved experiments conducted with experimental collaborators abroad. The goal is to achieve an atomic-level, mechanistic understanding of how the molecular design and the environment affect the efficiency of photoactive compounds within emerging solar energy applications, including photoswitching, singlet fission, and biomimetic photosynthesis. 

Where to apply

E-mail

giale@hi.is

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics » Chemical physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We seek outstanding and highly motivated candidates with the ability to work both independently and in a team. Candidates must hold or be about to obtain a PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or related field. A strong background in electronic structure theory and/or molecular dynamics, as well as good programming skills are required. Experience in method development and knowledge of density functional theory are desirable. Excellent communication skills are essential.

Additional Information
Benefits

The selected candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment at the forefront of modeling electronic excitations and atomic-scale dynamics in complex molecular and condensed-phase systems. We have extensive collaborations, including a close collaboration with experimental groups at the Technical University of Denmark. Together, we conduct ultrafast experiments at synchrotrons and X-ray free electron laser facilities, bridging theory and experiments.

The research will take place in a scientifically stimulating, international environment alongside other PhD students and postdocs. Access to extensive computational resources is provided through the Icelandic Research e-Infrastructure (IREI) project, which includes clusters with thousands of CPU and GPU cores.

Selection process

Interested applicants are encouraged to send the following documents directly to Gianluca Levi (giale@hi.is ): cover letter (max. one page) describing the scientific background and how it aligns with the project, CV including list of publications, list of three academic references who can provide letters of recommendations, including their contact details and affiliations.

Additional comments

The appointment is initially for one year with possible extension for a second year or more. The position is expected to start in April 2025. The salary is highly competitive, and funding is provided for attending international conferences and for research visits abroad.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Iceland

Country

Iceland

City

Reykjavík

Geofield

Contact

City

Reykjavík

Website

https://scienceinstitute.hi.is/is/rannsoknir/efnafraedi
https://gialev.github.io/

Street

Dunhagi 3

Postal Code

107

E-Mail

giale@hi.is

STATUS: EXPIRED

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Whatsapp
• 
  More share options
  • E-mail
  • Pocket
  • Viadeo
  • Gmail
  • Weibo
  • Blogger
  • Qzone
  • YahooMail