Doctoral student in molecular simulation of the three-phase contact line - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Biological physics

This project studies how physics at the molecular scale affects macroscopic wetting behavior, as well as on developing multi-scale methods to model this. We focus on the three-phase contact line, where a substrate, liquid and gas meet. When a droplet moves along a surface or when a gas bubble detaches from a surface, the contact line needs to move. At this line the particle nature of the liquid becomes apparent and the friction caused by detachment of molecules can significantly reduce the speed of the contact line, thereby affecting the macroscopic dynamics of the system. Furthermore, to assess the stability of air or gas bubbles in liquids under flow or boiling conditions, the stability of the contact line is of critical importance. Molecular dynamics simulation is the appropriate tool for studying this, since continuum models break down here and experiments can not access the required length and time scales. The fundamental physical processes need to be identified and modeled. The resulting models will be used in continuum simulations to study drag and boiling, in close collaboration with other members of the INTERFACE project. Analysis of the results will enable systematic improvement of desired fluid behavior by tuning surface properties at the nano-scale.

This position as a PhD student is within INTERFACE, a research environment funded by the Swedish Research Council using multiscale methods to study boiling, friction and synthesis of biomaterials. A major goal of this environment is developing multiscale methodology for understanding and improving how topological and chemical structure on surfaces affects drag and boiling. The INTERFACE environment is a collaboration between several groups at the departments of Applied Physics and Mechanics and the Wallenberg wood science center at KTH. The environment is multi-disciplinary, international and includes main developers of the popular GROMACS molecular simulation package, which will be used in this project.

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic international research environment in close cooperation with industries and advanced universities the world over.
• Life-long network through KTH's Alumni organization.
• A personal study plan to support your development within your areas of interest.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement.
• Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe´s fastest growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

• ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
• ability to collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.

A suitable background for this position is a Master of Science in physics. The candidate should have a strong interest in computer simulations. Experience with statistical mechanics and fluid mechanics is valued.

After the qualifications requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: Doctoral degree.

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

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For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.