PhD student in theoretical atomic-scale optics of nanostructures

We are currently looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. student with an interest in the modelling of the optical response of materials on the atomic scale.

The successful candidate (m/f/d) will join a progressive Light and matter theory group at the Institute of Physics (FZU) of the Czech Academy of Science led by Tomáš Neuman. The team investigates atomic-scale optical properties of molecules and low dimensional materials, particularly in the context of scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy. 

What you will do

  • Investigate transport and optical properties of nanomaterials (2D materials, molecules…)
  • Integrate results of ab-initio calculations into models addressing light-matter interaction in atomic-scale optical environments (light emission in scanning tunneling microscopy – STML, tip-enhanced photoluminescence – TEPL, and beyond)
  • Develop models to address the dynamics of electron transport, excitons, and photons in atomic-scale optical environments (e.g., quantum master equation, Lindblad formalism)
  • Participate in group meetings, preparation of manuscripts and dissemination of results at conferences
  • Work in an international environment in the heart of Europe and collaborate with our international partners in Europe and beyond

What we expect

  • MSc. degree in physics, chemistry, or related field, knowledge of quantum mechanics
  • Creative thinking and proactive problem-solving 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers and students
  • Eager to learn and share knowledge 
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken)
  • Experience with methods to address excitations in nanomaterials (Quantum chemistry or computational solid-state physics software) is an advantage
  • Knowledge of the theory of plasmonics and nanophotonics and the methods used therein is an advantage
  • Experience with the modeling of scanning-tunneling microscopy and related phenomena is an advantage

Why join us

  • Interesting work in cutting-edge research and development of atomic-scale optics 
  • Collaboration with international partners
  • Participation in multidisciplinary scientific projects 
  • 5 weeks of vacation + 6 days of personal leave 
  • Meal allowance, own canteen in the area 
  • After the first year of employment, contribution to pension and life insurance, contribution to recreation, culture or sports 
  • English lessons at the workplace 
  • Possibility to use the recreational facilities of the FZU in Krkonoše
  • Outdoor sports facilities (tennis, volleyball), Multisport card and other benefits
  • Find out more about us -  Why FZU?

It´s good to know

  • Place of work – Cukrovarnická, Prague 6 – Střešovice
  • Start of employment in 2025
  • Full-time
  • 1-year contract (yearly extension up to 4 years upon mutual agreement)
  • We expect applications by: 31 Dec 2024
  • Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents via the application form: A cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, curriculum vitae (CV), transcripts of degrees/diplomas
  • For additional information, please get in touch with Dr. Tomáš Neuman neuman [at] fzu [dot] cz (neuman[at]fzu[dot]cz)

We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

Department
Department of surfaces and molecular structures
Job type
Full time
Field of work
Scientific
Contact person
Monika Svobodová
Apply for position

FZU – Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is a leading public research institution based in Prague.

FZU is the largest institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic with more than 1100 employees and focuses on basic and applied research in the field of physics. Our top researchers strive to understand and explain the basic phenomena and processes of how the world works and thus respond to the current scientific and technical challenges of our society.

As an employer, FZU supports equal opportunities and diversity. This approach helps to foster a positive work culture and creates a supportive environment for all employees. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in our policies and hiring practices, providing a solid foundation for fair selection processes.

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We would like to inform you that by sending a reply to the advertisement, you provide the relevant administrator with your personal data for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure and concluding an employment contract or agreement (DPP, DPC) regarding the position you have chosen. This processing of your personal data will be carried out on the legal basis of the performance of a contract pursuant to Article 6 para. 1 lit. b) the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal data will be processed only to the extent necessary and only for the duration of the selection procedure for the given position. The processing of your personal data will be sufficiently secured, your personal data will not be passed on to third parties without your consent. In accordance with applicable law, we inform you that you have the right to (i) access your personal data, (ii) correct or complete inaccurate or false personal data, (iii) to erasure of personal data, (iv) to restrict the processing of personal data in special cases, (v) to data portability, (vi) to object to processing and (vii) to contact the Office for Personal Data Protection.