Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) Position in the field of Computational Materials Science

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, AI Robotic systems, AI technology, Computer Vision (CV), Machine learning techniques, Mathematics, Optimization, Reinforcement Learning, Statistics

Job Description

The Department of Applied Physics is now inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) Position in the field of Computational Materials Science

The Nuclear Materials and Engineering group at Aalto University employs computational methods to study radiation induced processes and damage formation in materials, including effects ranging from electron excitation to large scale collision cascades involving millions of atoms. We are now looking for a bright and motivated student to join our team. In this position, you will have a chance to contribute to the increased understanding of the fundamental processes involved when energetic particles interact with condensed matter. We utilize extensive computational resources for advanced calculations at the forefront of our field.

Your role and goals

Your main tasks will involve performing and analysing large scale simulations of radiation effects in semiconductor materials, using the supercomputing resources available to the group. The main computational tool will be molecular dynamics, implemented with a range of extensions useful for modelling non-equilibrium processes. You will work independently, but with the close support and supervision of the group leader Prof. Andrea Sand. This position will allow you to deepen your knowledge of materials science, to further develop skills in computing and programming, as well as in scientific writing and presenting, and to grow into an independent researcher. You will be expected to complete a PhD thesis within four years. As a member of the group, you will partake in group meetings, presenting your research progress there, and co-supervise Bachelors and Masters students. In addition, PhD students are expected to participate in teaching activities at the Department as course assistants.

To be successful in this position, proficiency in the following areas are required:

• demonstrated programming and/or scripting skills
• materials science or solid state physics background
• experience with numerical modelling
• strong command of written and spoken English
• experience with HPC is not crucial, but will be considered a plus

Applications are especially encouraged from women and other minority groups. An excellent study record in physics or a related field is expected.

What we offer

Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary of a Ph.D. student is approximately 2600 €/month (gross), and it increases as you progress in your research and studies. Following the standard practice in the Department of Applied Physics, the contract will be made initially for two years, then extended to another two years after a successful mid-term progress review. The total duration of Ph.D. studies is four years. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus at Aalto University.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link (Apply Now) on Aalto University’s web page.

- Letter of motivation
- CV including list of publications
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 

For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Andrea Sand at firstname.lastname@aalto.fi.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.

The deadline for applications is the 15th of December, 2022. The start of employment is negotiable, but will be expected to begin in early 2023. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.