PhD student in theoretical chemistry

Background:

Light drives complex physical and chemical processes of central importance in biology and chemistry, from photosynthesis and visual perception to solar cells and photocatalysis. Understanding and controlling photoinduced energy and charge transfer in molecules and molecular materials can illuminate limiting mechanisms and enable the design of systems with improved or tailored light-induced functions.

Project description

Research education subject:- Chemistry

In this project, you will develop and apply new theoretical methods to explore, understand, and influence photoinduced phenomena in molecular systems. Current interests include photomechanical motion in photoactive proteins and the influence of internal magnetic fields on molecular photoreactivity. You will work together with group members on various aspects of light-molecule interactions and subsequent non-equilibrium responses, from fundamental theory to automated multi-scale simulation and analysis workflows. In addition to method development, you will also receive in-depth training in computational chemistry techniques, from electronic structure and molecular quantum dynamics to multi-scale methods with ML-based models for dynamics and improved sampling. As part of the project, you will spend one year at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), where you will develop machine learning-based methods for non-adiabatic dynamics. You will also receive relevant training in transferable skills that provide a competitive professional profile for both academia and industry.

Supervision: Dr. Nanna H. List and Prof. Lars Kloo are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decision is made upon admission.

Eligibility for admission

To be admitted to doctoral studies (chap 7 39 § of the Higher Education Ordinance) the applicant must have basic eligibility:

of a degree at an advanced level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or in some other way, within or outside the country, acquired knowledge mainly corresponding to this. An advanced level degree in chemistry (theoretical/physical), physics or a related field.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English corresponding to Engelska B/6.

Selection

To succeed in your doctoral studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. During the selection of applicants, the ability to:

independently drive your work forward, collaborate with others, maintain a professional approach, analyze and work with complex issues, be willing to learn and engage in challenging research questions, Solid background in quantum mechanics/theoretical chemistry, experience in programming (e.g. Python and/or C++) and fluent English in speech and writing as required in daily work.

After the eligibility requirements, great importance will be placed on personal qualities.

Target degree: PhD

Information about admission and employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The total period of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral studies for four years. An employed doctoral student may, to a limited extent (at most 20%), perform certain tasks within, e.g., education and administration. A new employment as a doctoral student is valid for at most one year; the employment may thereafter be renewed for at most two years at a time. For studies intended to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral studies for two years.

As a doctoral student, you will benefit from KTH's employment benefits and have a monthly salary according to KTH's agreements for doctoral salaries. Read more about Forskarstudier vid KTH | KTH | Sweden.

Union representatives

Contact details for union representatives.

Doktorandsektionen (Tekniska högskolans studentkår)

Contact details for the doctoral section.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application must contain the following:

Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations to English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified. CV with relevant professional experience and knowledge. Cover letter with a concise account of why you want to pursue doctoral studies, about your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 2 pages) Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

The application must reach KTH no later than the last application date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other

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An employment at KTH may be subject to security clearance. If this is the case for this specific employment, a security screening of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) after consent. In these cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security screening.

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Become a part of KTH

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