Track The Twin is a MSCA Doctoral Network that will train researchers at PhD level around the creation of a digital twin of colloidal quantum dots (QDs). Awarded the 2023 Noble Prize in Chemistry, QDs exemplify the successful transfer of a new nanomaterial from a lab-scale invention to a technology that offers better and more power-efficient electronic devices, or makes buildings generate renewable energy. Through the development of a QD digital twin, Track The Twin aims at creating a new generation of QDs that are resilient against loading-induced ageing and loss of performance.

Track The Twin creates opportunities for researchers with a background in chemistry and physics to be trained into the latest methods for synthesis, characterization and computational analysis of nanomaterials.

We are currently hiring 10 doctoral candidates to start on December 1st, 2024 on the following topics:

DC1. Synthesis of colloidal bulk nanocrystals for lasing applications

Content. The project will take CdS bulk nanocrystals (BNCs) as a template to develop surface passivation methods for large (>10 nm) colloidal nanocrystals, with a particular focus on solution NMR to analyse surface termination of BNCs.

Profile. Master in Chemistry or equivalent.

Host. Ghent University (BEL)

More information. www.nano.ugent.be

DC 2. Photostable InP-based QDs for lighting and display applications

Content. The project aims at the creation of InP-based core/shell QDs optimized for display and lighting applications, with a specific focus on the relation between QD properties and photostability.

Profile. Master in Chemistry or equivalent.

Host. Ghent University (BEL)

More information. www.nano.ugent.be

DC 5. Determination of atomically precise structures of single quantum dots

Content. The project aims to develop and apply low-dose imaging techniques in the field of quantitative transmission electron microscopy to image QDs in two and three dimensions.

Profile. Master in Physics or equivalent.

Host. University of Antwerp (BEL)

More information. https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/emat/

DC 6. Mapping structure of core/shell QDs and BNCs by solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Content. This PhD project aims to establish the correlation between the structure of QD (BNC) cores, shells, and surface termination and their respective solid-state NMR, as well as NQR spectra. A specific practical objective is to develop NMR/NR descriptors of the static and dynamic structural features and resulting optical properties and photostability. 

Profile. Master in Chemistry or equivalent

Host. ETH Zurich (CHE)

More information. https://kovalenkolab.ethz.ch/

DC 7. Determination of quantum dot structure by ensemble-level neutron scattering techniques

Content. This PhD project aims to establish the core/shell structure and ageing-related structural changes of Quantum Dots and Bulk Nanocrystals by means of neutron scattering-based techniques, complemented by laboratory-based characterization tools.

Profile. Master in Physics, Materials Science or equivalent

Host. BCMaterials, the Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures (ESP)

More information. www.bcmaterials.net

DC 9. Spectroscopic analysis of charge-carrier trapping in QDs/BNCs induced by high-power density illumination

Content. This project will develop and use ultrafast optical methods , such as femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy in the visible and mid-infrared spectrum, to study the behavior of QDs under high carrier density scenarios in varying chemical environments, thereby looking in particular at electronic and vibrational signatures of carrier trapping and annihilation.

Profile. Master in (Applied) Physics, (Physical) Chemistry or equivalent.

Host. Ghent University (BEL)

More information. https://www.nano.ugent.be/content/jobs

DC 10. Probing structural dynamics upon photo-excitation in QDs/BNCs through fs x-ray spectroscopy and diffraction

Content. This project will use x-ray spectroscopy and diffraction, both continuous and time-resolved (pump-probe), to study the equilibrium structure of QDs and the structural dynamics occurring upon photoexcitation.

Profile. Master in Physics, (Physical) Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent

Host. ETH Zurich (CHE)

More information. made.ee.ethz.ch/

DC 11. High throughput analysis of single QDs and BNCs under illumination and elevated temperatures

Content. This project will develop smart experiments on individual QDs to understand variations in optical properties among particles. Experiments at elevated temperature and under strong illumination will reveal degradation pathways.

Profile. Master in chemistry, physics, or equivalent

Host. Utrecht University (NED)

More information.www.uu.nl/staff/FTRabouw

DC 12. Atomistic Models for Accurate Electronic Structure Calculations

Content. This project will use density functional theory to perform static and dynamic electronic structure calculations of QD models in their ground and excited states. These will be used to develop machine-learning force fields of QDs. 

Profile. Master in chemistry, physics, or equivalent

Host. Basque Center for Materials (ESP) 

More information. www.bcmaterials.net

DC 14. Novel modelling methods for enhanced QD surface reactivity exploration

Content.Develop a methodology (in SCM’s software) to explore the surface reactivity of quantum dots including intrinsic ligands and exogenous reagents.

Profile. MSc in Theoretical or Computational Chemistry or Physics

Host. SCM, Software for Chemistry & Materials (NED)

More information.www.scm.com, jobs@scm.com

For detailed information on the positions and for submitting your application, please contact the host website as mentioned for each position. Alternatively, applications - including a CV and a motivation letter - can be sent to zeger.hens@ugent.be, clearly indicating the position you are applying for. 

Applications to multiple openings are welcomed. However, only applications in line with the MSCA mobility rules are eligible, meaning that researchers can't have resided in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the date of recruitment.

Deadline for submission of your application is August 31st. Late applications will not be considered. Job interviews will be organized upon invitation.