PhD position (m/f/d) in Computer Simulation of Charge Transport in Organic Semiconductors

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile fields in research and teaching. The Chair of Theoretical Physics VII has the following vacancies:

The project

Organic semiconductor (OSC) materials have the potential to disruptively transform a number of industries—such as the IT sector or the field of photovoltaics—and are indeed already being used in some applications. They offer a number of improvements over traditional inorganic semiconductors such as low energetic production costs, novel materials properties and composition of only earth-abundant elements. All experimental and theoretical efforts to designing new OSC materials date mostly considered the properties of the bulk material, often in an idealized setting. Realistic materials, on the other hand, will always show imperfections such as boundaries between different grains. In a theoretical study—working together with experimental partners—we aim to shed light on the transport across grains and design materials minimizing energy losses. To this end, we will employ state of the art first principles electronic structure methods, augmented with machine-learned surrogate models.

Your profile

We are looking for excellent, highly motivated early-career researchers to join our research team. Candidates should have a master's degree in physics or theoretical chemistry ideally with a background in density functional theory, charge transport theory, and/or machine learning.

Basic programming skills (Python or Fortran), an acquaintance with the Linux OS, and fluency in English are expected.

Our offer

We offer excellent working conditions in a newly established international team at the University of Bayreuth. The earliest starting date is 10/2024.

The salary and working hours are in accordance with the funding guidelines of the University of Bayreuth for early-career scientists. The salary is based on the public salary scale TV-L E13. The PhD position (75%) is limited to three years and serves the requirement of a scientific qualification (doctorate). A structured PhD program is offered in the graduate school of the University of Bayreuth.

Successful candidates will work in an international group focusing on computational materials design (www.oberhofer.physik.uni-bayreuth.de). Finally, the combined experimental/theoretical research project offers ample room for the close collaboration with experimental colleagues from a variety of relevant fields, as an added advantage of the offer.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is explicitly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network "Familie in der Hochschule e. V.", and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please apply online via our application portal of the University of Bayreuth. Your application should contain a cover letter (describing your past and current research interests), your CV, your publication list as well as contact information of two references.

Call identifier: TPhysik VII

The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

Applications close on the 27th of September 2024.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Harald Oberhofer (harald.oberhofer@uni-bayreuth.de).