The Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i. (FZU) is a public research institution, focusing on basic and applied research in physics. The Institute of Physics is the largest of the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences with more than 1300 employees, including a considerable number of international workers. The ambition of the Institute of Physics is to push forward the boundaries of knowledge and to conduct first-rate research in the fields of elementary particles, condensed systems, solid particles, optics, plasma physics, and laser physics.
Laboratory of Nanosurf Prague, Czech Republic invites applications for the position of the
Postdoctoral position in Nanosurf Lab
The successful candidate (m/f) will become a part of an internationally recognized research team. We are looking for a highly motivated young researcher with a Ph.D. degree in condensed matter physics, material science, or physical chemistry. He/she should have a solid knowledge of quantum solid state physics/quantum chemistry. Knowledge of some programming languages is desirable.
What you will do
- Simulation of reaction mechanisms of on-surface reactions. The aim is to explore in detail the reaction mechanisms of selected cases of on-surface reactions towards the formation of novel molecular compounds not achievable by solution chemistry. The DFT and QM/MM simulations should shed light on available experimental data as well as to search for new reaction mechanism to stimulate new experiments. Relevant references: Nat. Commun. 11 (2020) 4567(1) - 4567(8); Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 58 (2019) 18591 – 18597; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143 (2021) 14694 – 14702
- Electronic structure of 1D molecular systems using beyond DFT methods. Modelling of the electronic structure of multiradical molecular systems using many-body calculations (CAS, DMRG) including the ground and excited states. Interpretation of experimental dI/dV maps of multiradical molecules in terms of Dyson and natural transition orbitals. Relevant references: J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 12 (2021) 330 – 336; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143 (2021) 14694 – 14702; Nano Lett. 21 (2021) 861 - 867
- Study of topological phase transition in -conjugated 1D systems with model Hamiltonians. The research will focus on a deeper theoretical understanding of quantum phase transition in -conjugated molecular systems, the role of e-e and e-ph interaction in topological transition as well as spin symmetry breaking. Relevant references: Nature Nanotech. 15 (2020) 437 – 443; Adv. Mater. 33 (2021) 2104495(1) - 2104495(9). Nature Nano https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-021-01042-8
- Theory of scanning probe microscopy (atomic scale KPFM, IETS spin-excitations) Development of the atomic-scale theory of scanning probe microscopy with aim to push further current limits of these microscopes. The research will be conducted in very tight collaboration with in-house UHV- low-temperature SPM experiments Goals: i) imaging of many-body molecular Dyson orbitals; ii) atomic-scale measurement of local polarization of electron densities; iii) spin-excitations in multiradical molecules. Relevant references: Science 374 (2021) 863 – 867; arXiv:2201.03627
What we do
- All the research lines will be conducted with tight collaboration with in-house experimental activities as well as in collaboration with internationally renowned experimental groups.
- The Nanosurf Lab focuses on studies of low-dimensional molecular systems, benefiting from a tight synergy between in-house theoretical and experimental research.
- More information about the Nanosurf Lab can be found here https://nanosurf.fzu.cz/.
Required qualifications
- Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, material science, or physical chemistry
- Practical knowledge of quantum solid state physics/quantum chemistry
- Knowledge of some programming language
- Advanced English, written and spoken
Benefits
- Working in an international and creative environment
- Unique research facilities
- Training and development possibilities (seminars, workshops, conferences, high-quality language courses, soft skills training)
- Support of your work-life balance – flexible work hours, work from home, extended vacations
- In-house tennis/volleyball court, table tennis
- And more benefits such as Multisport card, meal allowance, kindergarten operated by the ASCR
Terms of employment
- Start of employment immediately
- Full-time
- 2-year contract (possible extension upon mutual agreement)
Application procedure
Please send your CV (1-2 pages PDF), motivation letter (1-page A4 PDF), list of publications, and 2 references to the email address below.
Doc. Ing. Pavel Jelínek, PhD., Cukrovarnická 10/112 | 162 00 Praha 6| Czech Republic Email: pavel [dot] jelinek [at] fzu [dot] cz
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