PhD Candidate in Chemistry (On-site)

Job summary

This PhD position focuses on the development of self-driving laboratories for ligand design in nanocrystal synthesis and catalysis, utilizing automation and machine learning to enhance material discovery. The role involves building a computational ligand library, integrating it into closed-loop labs, and conducting high-throughput synthesis and characterization of nanocrystals.

Qualifications

• MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Data Science, or a related field
• Strong enthusiasm and creativity
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Willingness to undertake a six-month research stay at a partner university in the US
• Experience in chemical synthesis, analysis, and programming
• Familiarity with nanocrystal synthesis, transition metal catalysis, computational chemistry, machine learning, and laboratory automation is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Develop a computational ligand library using DFT and surrogate models
• Integrate the library into self-driving labs at a partner university
• Establish a synthesis node focused on high-throughput synthesis and characterization
• Validate models statistically, suggest and conduct experiments, and draft publications

Education

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent is required

Tools

• Experience with DFT, programming languages, and laboratory automation tools is beneficial