A PhD studentship in Theoretical Chemical Physics: Computer Simulations and Quantum Chemistry of Solution Dynamics at the Department of Physics, Stockholm University. Reference number SU 402-0020-13. Deadline for applications: March 31, 2013.
Subject description
A detailed knowledge of ultra-fast dynamics in aqueous solutions is important for chemical processes ranging from fundamental physical chemistry to environmental and biochemical applications. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of many experimental probes for extracting structural and dynamical information in complex systems, and with paramagnetic nuclear spin relaxation, the environment around paramagnetic ions can be investigated in detail.
At Stockholm university, research groups from the Department of Physics and from the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry join in an effort to pursue theoretical studies of paramagnetic relaxation of lanthanide ions in aqueous solution and chelate complexes. This effort is part of a new FP7 – PEOPLE Marie Curie Initial Training Network "pNMR" aimed at the development and application of new NMR techniques, notably involving paramagnetic metal ions, for the analysis of structure and dynamics of a wide class of molecules and materials.
The Department of Physics is an internationally lively research environment, situated in the AlbaNova University Center and has about 180 employees, 250 undergraduate students and 80 PhD students. For more information about the department, see www.fysik.su.se.
Project description
We seek to recruit a candidate for a PhD position in the investigation of molecular dynamics in relation to nuclear spin relaxation of paramagnetic ions in solution. In the project you will both use state-of-the-art quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics programs and write your own source code for simulations of the nuclear spin relaxation from first principles.
The aim of the project is to develop theoretical methods for extracting reliable information on molecular dynamics and structure in solution from experimental measurements of nuclear and electron spin relaxation of paramagnetic ions. This is of principle interest for understanding chemical processes in solution but also of importance e.g. for medical applications.
The project is financed as part of a Marie-Curie initial training network on paramagnetic relaxation combining 9 academic research groups and 4 collaborating industrial companies through out Europe. The studies will involve frequent exchange with research partners in Italy and Slovakia, and applications of the theoretical models to experimental measurements in Italy. For more information on the different projects within the network we refer to the pNMR web-site: www.pnmr.eu.
Requirements
The possibility exists to register as a PhD student in either Physics OR Chemical Physics in the Department of Physics at Stockholm University. Physics students should have studied at least four years at a University and have the equivalent of a BSc in Physics. To register for a PhD in Chemical Physics requires either the equivalent of a BSc in Physics or in Chemistry. These studies must include advanced courses in physics/chemistry during one year and an advanced degree project (a detailed description of one in progress may suffice). We seek a candidate with analytical capacity and good English skills.
Applicants must have less than 4 years research experience (defined from the end of a first degree), and must NOT have resided or carried their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment. The pNMR network is committed to equal opportunities, and encourages applications from Minority Group Members and Women.
Terms of employment
A PhD education is four years (48 months). The 4-year PhD program includes at least 3 years of research and at most one year of course work. The position may be extended up to 1 year if up to 20 % teaching assistance or administration is included in the contract. The PhD fellowship is at approximately € 57 000 per year, including mobility allowance, for three years and is subject to the host country tax deductions. Depending on to which extent the applicant's prior education fulfils the course requirements, a fourth year is funded according to standard salaries for PhD students ("doktorandanställning") at the Department of Physics.
As with all projects within the pNMR network, the PhD studies will include a research secondment at other partner institutions (6 months in Italy and 3 months in Slovakia). Integral to the research-based training programme is the series of workshops, practical training courses, international conferences, and outreach actions, located at the different sites.
Information
For further information, please contact Michael Odelius, odelius@fysik.su.se, or Jozef Kowalewski, jozef.kowalewski@mmk.su.se. Details, and the complete list of open positions within the pNMR network, can be found on the Jobs section of www.pnmr.eu.
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone +46-(0)8-16 2000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41, and the PhD student representative,do@sus.su.se.
Application
Applications should include a letter of intent describing your motivation for applying, a CV including information on previous education, a copy of the master thesis (or "examensarbete"), other documents supporting the applicants competence and suitability for the position, and address, telephone number and e-mail of two reference persons. The application can be written in English or Swedish. Evaluations will be based on results on University courses, quality of master's thesis (or "examensarbete"), references, interviews and the letter of intent.
The application should be labelled with the reference number
SU 402-0020-13, and should be received no later than 31th March 2013. E-mail your application to Gorica Nikolic, gorica.nikolic@fysik.su.se, with the subject line SU 402-0020-13.
(We also ask the applicant to inform the coordinator of the pNMR network by sending the application documents to guido.pintacuda@ens-lyon.fr.)
Application Deadline : 31 March 2013
