PhD position in Multi-scale Modelling and Simulation of Polymer and Antiferromagnet Composites

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About the job

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.

We have an open PhD position in multi-scale modeling and simulations of polymer and antiferromagnet (AFM) composites for spintronics at the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, NTNU.

Spintronics, which manipulates the magnetization of AFMs, offers ultrafast THz spin dynamics and picosecond switching speeds. The absence of stray magnetic fields in AFMs allows for higher bit densities and increased storage capacities, making them ideal for next-generation memory devices. AFMs are also energy-efficient, reducing power consumption while maintaining high processing speeds, which is advantageous for chip design. AFM-based components like interconnects, oscillators, transistors, and logic gates promise improved performance in integrated circuits using electron spin without creating disruptive magnetic fields.

This PhD project will focus on the integration of polymers with AFM materials using a multi-scale modeling framework to explore new possibilities in spintronic applications.

The candidate will report to the Head of Department.

Duties of the position

• Implement multi-scale modeling for polymer and AFM composites using software tools such as VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, VAMPIRE, and MuMax3.
• Conduct simulations to optimize the composite’s magnetic properties.

Required selection criteria

The primary objective of the PhD position is to prepare candidates for research roles. To qualify, applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent (120 credits) in materials science, physics, or a related field, with a strong academic background in computational materials science. A grade of B or higher on NTNU’s grading scale is required. If letter grades are not available, an equivalent academic foundation must be demonstrated. Candidates may still be considered if they can document exceptional suitability for PhD studies. To be considered, applicants must have:

• A master’s degree in materials science, physics or related field, specializing in computational materials science, with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale.
• Strong experience in computational material design.
• Familiarity with AFM and/or polymer materials for spintronics.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, VAMPIRE, and MuMax3.
• Experience in multi-scale modeling (preferred)

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant 

Preferred selection criteria

• Strong publication record in computational materials science, particularly in AFM or polymer materials.
• Experience in research project work.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Experience in multi-scale modeling.

Personal characteristics

• Team-oriented.
• Inventive and creative.
• Proactive and self-motivated.

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer

• Exciting and stimulating tasks within a strong international academic environment.
• A supportive, inclusive workplace  with dedicated colleagues.
• Favorable terms with the  Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits

Salary and conditions

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 532 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding (ta stilling til om stillinger skal være betinget av ekstern finansiering).

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English and will serve as the basis for assessment. Publications and other scientific work should accompany the application. Please note that only the information provided by the application deadline will be considered, so ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the stated criteria.

The application must include:

• CV, certificates, diplomas, and transcripts for BSc and MSc studies (original official documents with English translations)
• Academic works (published or unpublished) you wish to be considered
• Names and contact details of three references

Joint works will be considered. If your contribution to joint works is not clear, please include a brief description of your role.

In evaluating candidates, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal suitability.

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is our strength. We want to recruit people with different competencies, educational backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to solving our social responsibilities within education and research. We will facilitate for our employees’ needs.

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality. (tas bort hvis ikke aktuelt)

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The city of Gjøvik has a population of 30 000 and is a town known for its rich music and cultural life. The beautiful nature surrounding the city is ideal for an active outdoor life! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world.

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As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Under the Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position, and municipality may be disclosed even if you have requested to remain anonymous on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Michael Cheffena, telephone +4761135294, email michael.cheffena@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Senior Adviser HR, per.nielsen@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI). 

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.