PhD Student

Job description

- At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation
- You have an interest in computational research that contributes to the development of innovative steel types.
- You will apply ab initio modeling (density functional theory, DFT) and artificial intelligence (training and using machine learning potentials) to improve the the segregation of solute elements in an iron matrix, including the role of defects and grain boundaries therein.
- You communicate both with (experimental) researchers from the steel industry, an with (computational) researchers from the field of materials physics. You translate the needs and the information of both groups for each other.

Job profile

- You have a basic master's level knowledge in at least two (and preferably more) of the following domains: ab initio modeling (DFT), artificial intelligence (e.g. Machine Learning Potentials) and steel development.
- You work systematically and meticulously, and you can communicate clearly about your work with (experimental) researchers in both academic and industrial contexts.
- You can relate to the global goals of this project: recreating existing steel grades, starting from sources that have a larger amount of recycled steel (scrap). This will increase the concentration of solute elements, and we want prevent this from affecting the properties of the steel.

What we can offer you

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

Send an email to stefaan.cottenier@ugent.be with the subject 'NANOSMART application', that contains a single (!) pdf attachment with (1) your motivation letter, (2) your CV, (3) a transcript of academic records (inasfar as already available), (4) two contact addresses of potential referents, and (5) [very important] a link to a short video (maximum 3 minutes) in which you explain a scientific topic of your choice to a general audience in English. The content of this video is more important than the technique (=filming with a smartphone handheld is sufficient).