The Proppe group at TU Braunschweig invites applications for a
PhD student (m/f/d) position
(67% part-time position, EG 13 TV-L, limited for 3 years)
The earliest starting date is April 1, 2023.
The focus of the PhD project will be on the computational design of nanostructured systems with promising applications such as catalysis, biomedicine, thermoelectrics, batteries, and sensing. Magnetic metal-organic frameworks and single-molecule junctions in electronic components will constitute the core systems of the investigations.
The PhD position is part of a DFG-funded collaboration with the group of Prof. Dr. Carmen Herrmann at the University of Hamburg, Germany. Our groups combine long-standing expertise on data-driven approaches in computational chemistry (Proppe group) and in theoretical molecular electronics and spintronics (Herrmann group).
The main goal of the PhD project is to accelerate the discovery process for novel nanostructured systems. To this end, data-economic algorithms (active learning) inspired by physical principles will be developed to replace prohibitively expensive quantum chemical calculations with machine-learned predictions. The project will build on recent work with the Herrmann group on machine-learning magnetic properties (publication, free preprint) and molecular conductance (publication, free preprint). It will also include generating and interpreting raw data based on computational chemistry, providing opportunities to acquire a broad range of skills.
Applicants should have certified knowledge of both computational chemistry and machine learning, a Master's degree or equivalent in chemistry or data science (other subjects require the applicant's justification), and a good command of programming languages (in particular Python). Solid English skills (both written and oral) are mandatory, knowledge of (or the willingness to learn) German is a plus.
Braunschweig (or Brunswick) is a modern city with a rich past and only a stone’s throw away from the headquarters of Volkswagen AG. There is a direct train connection to Berlin, which can be reached in less than 90 minutes. Regular meetings with the Herrmann group, both in Braunschweig and in Hamburg (DESY campus), will be a critical component of the PhD program.
The position is initially limited to 36 months. Salary will be paid up to pay grade EG 13 TV-L collective agreement depending on the assignment of tasks and fulfillment of personal requirements. This is a part-time position on a 67% basis (this corresponds to a regular German work contract for PhD students in chemistry). Annual participation in conferences is made possible.
For more information, please call Ms. Simone Lecher on +49 (0) 531 391-5325.
Please send your application documents (letter of motivation, CV incl. at least two contacts, academic certificates, transcript of records) via e-mail to Prof. Dr. Jonny Proppe (j.proppe[at]tu-braunschweig.de).
The application deadline is February 28, 2023.
We welcome applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Please attach a form of evidence of your handicap to your application. We are also working on the fulfilment of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz—NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.
The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations at https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-bewerbungen. Application costs cannot be reimbursed.