Doctoral researcher in the Quantum Biology and Computational Physics Group

Overview

The Quantum Biology and Computational Physics research group (www.quantbiolab.com) is part of the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense and covers a broad range of questions on theory of biomolecules and smart inorganic materials. The main research areas of the group include quantum chemistry and molecular simulations. The group utilizes and develops theoretical and computational methods including (1) classical and quantum molecular dynamics; (2) multiscale techniques; (3) Monte-Carlo based methods; (4) free energy methods; (5) global optimization methods; (6) linear scaling methods. The aim is to study biological processes that trigger energy conversion into forms usable for chemical transformations and are quantum mechanical in nature, including chemical reactions, light absorption, formation of excited electronic states, transfer of excitation energy, and transfer of electrons and protons in chemical processes.

Your tasks include:

• Developing and extending computational methods for studying open quantum systems
• Study of electron and spin transfer in complex nonequilibrium many-body systems
• Conducting numerical simulations and analyzing results
• Writing scientific publications and presenting at international conferences
• Teaching and supervising Bachelor/Master students as per university regulations
• Collaborating with other researchers on interdisciplinary research projects and publications
• Participation in NaviSense events like retreats and seminars to present your research, strengthen scientific discussions and team building
• Mandatory participation in our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy

Given profile:

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, or related fields, with a strong motivation for theoretical research
• Excellent English language skills (written and oral)
• Experience in computer simulations of many-body systems (this may include classical molecular dynamics simulations, quantum chemical calculations, spin dynamics simulations, or related)
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, Fortran)
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

Preferable/Desirable:

• Dedication for the research field
• Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across many different fields of expertise
• Ability to work independently
• Showing team spirit
• Good communication skills.

Our offer:

We offer

• Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface of quantum biology, computational physics, chemistry, and computer sciences
• Being part of a unique interdisciplinary, collaborative, international and diverse research team and scientific environment
• Access to a wide range of expertise, modern equipment and state-of-the-art techniques
• You and your peers will be part of our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy which will allow you to participate in conferences, excursions, courses, and workshops with great networking opportunities, research training, and career and mentoring programs, to further promote your personal and professional development
• Guidance during your onboarding phase and support during your doctorate
• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours
• Benefits from the university\’s health promotion program and possibility to participate in the university sports program.

Our standards:

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information:

Further information

This PhD project primarily focuses on the theoretical investigation of electron transfer processes in complex molecular environments (such as proteins, molecular scaffolds, solid-state systems). The project is aimed to contribute significantly to understanding of the molecular origins of the enigmatic magnetic field sense in living organisms.