Ph.D. Studentship in Theoretical Chemical Physics - Switzerland (Scholarship)

The Theoretical Physical Chemistry Group of Prof. Jiri Vanicek at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) invites applications for a Ph.D. position in theoretical chemical physics. The start date is between September 2009 and June 2010. Research projects are in the following two areas:

1) Development of quantum-dynamical and quantum-statistical methods to describe physical properties of molecules, clusters, and mesoscopic systems. This will also involve efficient computational implementation of the theory, using, e.g., Path Integral Monte Carlo, Path Integral Molecular Dynamics, or high-order Split-Operator methods. Applications include the calculation of quantum rates and kinetic isotope effects on chemical reactions in solution, of quantum nuclear effects in enzymes, or of electronic spectra.

2) Development of efficient and accurate semiclassical methods to describe quantum dynamical properties of molecules, clusters, and mesoscopic systems. Applications include nonadiabatic transitions, ultrafast spectroscopy, decoherence, and the sensitivity of quantum dynamics to inaccuracies in potential energy surfaces.

Requirements:
1) An excellent academic record.
2) An M.S. or M.A. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or a related field (exceptional candidates with B.S. or B.A. will be considered).
3) Proficiency in written and spoken English.
4) Proficiency in writing computer codes in C, C++, or Fortran 90.

See http://lcpt.epfl.ch for more information about our group. Interested candidates should submit an application including a curriculum vitae, list of publications, copy of a transcript, contact information of three references, and a description of research interests. Applications should be sent by e-mail to jiri.vanicek@epfl.ch or by post to Prof. Jiri Vanicek, EPFL SB ISIC LCPT, BCH 3110 (Bâtiment de chimie UNIL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. These positions require the acceptance to the doctoral program at EPFL, for which online applications must be filed simultaneously at http://phd.epfl.ch/edch.