[Wien] PhD position in Nantes

[Peter Blaha]

PhD position in the Institute of Materials Jean Rouxel: DFT Simulation 
of Photo-Induced Properties of Inorganic Materials

      A PhD position in Theoretical Condensed Matter Chemistry and 
Physics is open for application at the Institute of Materials Jean 
Rouxel of the University of Nantes (France).

      The candidate will develop his PhD Thesis on one of the priority 
projects of our group, which will be in the continuation of our previous 
theoretical investigations on the optical properties of UV-shields and 
pigments. In particular, these studies led to the development of an 
original concept, "the optical channel", aimed to tune the optical 
properties of insulating materials.

     Our current research interest include the understanding of the 
photocatalytic properties based on the modelling of structural, 
electronic and optical properties related to active and non-active 
materials. In particular, the strategy developed by the PhD student will 
consist to take benefit of density functional theory and semi-empirical 
approaches in order to rationalize:
- the light absorption efficiency from the simulation of the dielectric 
function,
- the electron/hole trapping (surface effects),
- the dependence of the redox potential with structure and chemical 
formulation.

      The position will be available in October 2008. The duration of 
the initial appointment is 2 years, renewable for one extra year. The 
net income will be approximately 1300 Euros per month. The university of 
Nantes also provides French courses for foreign students.

Candidates should have a master or diploma degree in materials science 
or theoretical physics/chemistry and be highly motivated to work in a 
challenging project within a dynamical research group. Application 
should include a letter of motivation, a CV, copies of master or diploma 
certificates with qualifications, a list of publications or preprints if 
available, and the coordinates of an expert willing to write a letter of 
recommendation (e.g., master thesis supervisor).

     Application before the end of May is highly recommended

    Please submit your application per e-mail to :

Dr. Xavier Rocquefelte
Institute of Materials Jean Rouxel
University of Nantes (France)
Xavier.Rocquefelte at cnrs-imn.fr