PhD in the Computational Modelling of Materials

We are looking for highly motivated candidates for a PhD position in computational materials science. The student will be jointly supervised by Dr Juhan Matthias Kahk and Prof. Marco Kirm (University of Tartu, Estonia) and Prof. Johannes Lischner (Imperial College, London). The studentship is based at the Institute of Physics, University of Tartu - the top research university in Estonia and the Baltic States. It also includes regular secondments to one of the world's leading academic institutions - Imperial College London.

Responsibilities

The prospective student will use computational methods, including ab-initio electronic structure simulations to study the fundamental properties of scintillators - materials that are used to convert high energy radiation such as X-rays or gamma-rays into visible light. Scintillators play a crucial role in medical diagnostics methods such as computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET), and they are also used in fundamental physics research. One of the aims of this project is to identify new scintillator materials with ultrashort response times. Better ultrafast scintillators would allow, for instance, PET scanners to record images with a higher spatial resolution and an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Qualifications

Essential:

- A masters degree or equivalent in physics, chemistry, or materials' science.

- Good computer skills.

- Basic familiarity with the principles of quantum mechanics and electronic structure theory (at undergraduate chemistry/physics level).

- Excellent command of the English language (B2 level minimum, C1 recommended)

Recommended:

- Previous programming experience.

Not required:

- Previous experience in electronic structure calculations is not expected.

Additional information

The PhD student will be employed as a Junior Researcher at the University of Tartu. Further information on admission conditions can be found at https://ut.ee/en/content/phd-admissions.

Applications must be submitted electronically via https://estonia.dreamapply.com/ - the window for applications will be open from May 1^st – May 15^th 2024.