The University of Luxembourg aspires to be one of Europe’s most highly regarded universities with a distinctly international and interdisciplinary character. It fosters the cross-fertilisation of research and teaching, is relevant to its country, is known worldwide for its research and teaching in targeted areas, and is establishing itself as an innovative model for contemporary European Higher Education. The University`s core asset is its well-connected world-class academic staff which will attract the most motivated, talented and creative students and young researchers who will learn to enjoy taking up challenges and develop into visionary thinkers able to shape society.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens, in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in. 

Your Role

A postdoctoral position is available at the Chair for Theoretical Chemical Physics, led by Prof. Alexandre Tkatchenko, at the Department of Physics and Materials Science (DPhyMS) of the University of Luxembourg (http://www.tcpunilu.com). This position is embedded within the H2020 FET-OPEN Project ProID "Ultrafast Raman Technologies for Protein Identification and Sequencing" and offers a competitive salary.

The main research task of the successful candidate will be to develop novel approaches for first-principles understanding of nanopore-protein interactions and molecular translocation. Specifically, the candidate will develop methods and investigate how proteins behave from both an optical and mechanical point of view when confined into nanopores and under the effect of both static fields (electrophoresis and local charges) and time-dependent optical fields (plasmons/cavity modes), and how the interaction of the molecule with a plasmonic nanopore will affect its Raman emission.

Your Profile

The position is open to strong applicants with backgrounds in theoretical physics, chemistry, computer science, and/or multidisciplinary background (PhD degree required). Ideally, this person should have an excellent knowledge of at least one of the following topics: density-functional theory, classical and/or quantum field theory, finite element methods, analytical model systems in quantum mechanics, computational chemistry, molecular dynamics, machine learning. Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, curiosity and self-motivation will be crucial, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills in English will be essential.

In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Limpertsberg / Luxembourg-city
• Foreseen starting date: 1st of May 2021
• Job Reference: UOL03891

Further Information

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (including publication list)
• Contact details of three academic referees
• Copy of their PhD diploma (in English or German or French)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Here’s what awaits you at the University

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. WiFi on campus. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information

For further information, please contact Prof. Alexandre Tkatchenko (alexander.tkatchenko@uni.lu)  or Dr. Nicolò Maccaferri (nicolo.maccaferri@uni.lu).