PhD and Postdoctoral Positions on nanotribology

Job description

Applications are invited for PhD and postdoctoral researcher positions in the Advanced Materials Group (AMG) at the Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic), and in the Nanolino group at the University of Basel (Switzerland), to investigate on nanoscale friction in layered van der Waals materials, within SNFS-GAČR funded projects. The goal of the study is to develop a deep theoretical and experimental knowledge for “on-demand” control of nanoscale friction in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and to individuate optimal electrostatic and electromagnetic stimuli to be used as external “knobs” at user’s disposal.

Positions at Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU)
https://nano.cvut.cz/jobs-opportunities/phd-and-postdoctoral-positions-on-nanotribology

Atomistic simulations:
PhD and postdoctoral fellows at CTU will deal with the development of classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanical (QM) models. The research will be carried out under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Antonio Cammarata and Prof. Tomas Polcar thanks to the access to High Performance Computing (HPC) centers.
Job requirements
Essential: Successful candidates must have a background in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or closely related disciplines. A strong background in solid-state classical MD or QM methods is mandatory. Experience in using large-scaling DFT methods or in combined QM/MD approaches represents a great advantage. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory.
Desirable: Programming experience in widely-used scientific languages (Fortran, C, C++) together with knowledge of shell scripting in a UNIX environment. Ability to perform calculations on Linux-based HPC architectures.
Contract details
The PhD positions are funded for 4 years.
The postdoctoral positions are funded for 2 years, with 1-year extension offered based on the performance. The salary is based on the guidelines and rules for employees in GAČR-funded projects.
How to apply
The call is open immediately and applications are received until positions are filled. The expected starting date is 1.1.2024, but we can also accept later starts. Your application must include a cover letter with motivation (up to 2 pages) and a structured CV including the following: list of publications, reference contacts, and proof of completed MSc (for PhD applicants) or PhD (for postdoctoral applicants). Please direct all correspondence to Antonio Cammarata cammaant@fel.cvut.cz with email subject “Application for XXX-YYY position”, where “XXX” will be “MD” or “DFT” depending on your main skills, while “YYY” will be “PhD” or “postdoc” according to the position of interest.

2D materials tribology – experimental assessment:
PhD and postdoctoral fellows will upscale sliding of 2D materials to engineering applications under the supervision of Prof. Tomas Polcar.
Job requirements
Essential: Successful candidates must have a background in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or closely related disciplines. Personal experience with Atomic Force Microscopy, 2D materials and surface characterization techniques (e.g., electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc.) is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory.
Desirable: Knowledge and practical experience with 2D tribology and/or nanotribology is an advantage.
Contract details
The postdoctoral position is funded for 2 years, with 1-year extension offered based on the performance. The salary is based on the guidelines and rules for employees in GAČR-funded projects.
How to apply
The call is open immediately and applications are received until positions are filled. The expected starting date is 1.1.2024, but we can also accept later starts. Your application must include a cover letter including motivation (up to 2 pages) and a structured CV including the following: list of publications, reference contacts, and proof of completed PhD. Please direct all correspondence to Tomas Polcar advamat@fel.cvut.cz with email subject “Application for exp-postdoc position”.

Positions at University of Basel (UNIBA)
PhD and postdoctoral fellows at UNIBA will deal with the preparation of 2D MoSe2, MoS2 and other transition metal dichalcogenides in a ultrahigh vacuum environment and the analysis by high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) under the supervision of PD. Dr. Thilo Glatzel. In the home-build AFM non-contact and contact measurements with atomic resolution will allow to investigate and control the friction and dissipation processes on the 2D materials and their defects.
Job requirements
Essential: Successful candidates must have a background in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or closely related disciplines. A strong background in surface science is mandatory. Experience with ultrahigh vacuum equipment and atomic force microscopy is a great advantage. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory.
Desirable: Technical skills and experience with vacuum components. Knowledge on scanning probe techniques and surface preparation as well as handling chemicals.
Contract details
The PhD position is funded for 3 years with the possibility to extend to four years. The postdoctoral position is funded for 2 years. The salary is based on the guidelines and rules for employees in SNSF-funded projects.
How to apply: https://nanolino.physik.unibas.ch/en/open-positions
The call is open immediately and applications are received until positions are filled. The expected starting date is 1.1.2024, but we can also accept later starts. Your application must include in a single pdf file a cover letter including motivation (up to 2 pages) and a structured CV including the following: list of publications, reference contacts, and proof of completed MSc (for PhD applicants) or PhD (for postdoctoral applicants). Please direct all correspondence to Thilo Glatzel thilo.glatzel@unibas.ch with email subject “[SNFS-GACR] application for XXX position”, where “XXX” will be “PhD” or “postdoc” according to your application.