School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
A PhD studentship is available in the Computational Materials Theory group within the School of Physics at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. The PhD project aims at using first principles density functional theory and model approaches based on first principles input to explore novel effects in multiferroic materials.
Multiferroics are materials that are simultaneously ferroelectric and magnetically ordered, i.e. they exhibit an ordered arrangement of both magnetic and electric dipoles. This coexistence allows to manipulate for example the magnetic dipoles using electric fields and vice versa, which leads to completely new possibilities for the design of future non-volatile memory devices. However, in order to harvest this great technological potential and to design suitable materials with optimized properties, a good understanding of the mechanism underlying such complex magneto-electric coupling is crucial. This research area thus combines fascinating basic science with high technological relevance.
Candidates for this position must have a good background in Quantum Mechanics and Condensed Matter Physics, a strong overall motivation, and a keen interest in theory and computation as well as in addressing specific materials science problems. Experience in working with UNIX/Linux environments, programming in either Fortran or C/C++, and good communication skills are also beneficial. In addition, candidates are required to have at least a 2.1 honors degree from an Irish university or better qualification (e.g. MSc, Diplom, Laurea, etc.). Applicants whose first language is not English will have to provide a TOEFL certificate or equivalent (e.g. IELTS).
Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin, one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities. The School of Physics at Trinity College has a very strong research program in computational materials science and maintains close links with several on-campus interdisciplinary research centers, such as CRANN (Center for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices) or TCHPC (Trinity Center for High Performance Computing), and also with many research groups abroad.
Starting date for this position is October 2010. All tuition and fees plus an annual stipend (salary) are covered. Due to funding restrictions this position is only available for EU residents. Applications including cover letter, CV, references, and a short personal statement (email and pdf format preferred) should be sent to:
Dr. Claude Ederer
School of Physics
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Ireland
email: edererc@tcd.ie
There is no deadline for this position. Screening of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For further information please contact Dr. Ederer directly (see also: www.tcd.ie/Physics/People/Claude.Ederer).