This PhD project focuses on understanding nanoscale electrochemistry, which is vital for next-generation devices in the electrification transition. It investigates how activity at one nanoelectrode site, or "hot spot," affects nearby sites via local fluctuations, such as in electrochemical potential or concentration. Using advanced simulations like transition path sampling with molecular dynamics and neural network potentials, the study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms behind these fluctuations and their impact on reaction rates. By modeling interactions between two hot spots under confined conditions, it will explore how correlations arise in non-equilibrium systems. The work involves developing novel simulation methodologies and collaborating with experimental research at the Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute of the Netherlands (ANION), contributing to sustainable electrochemical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
This PhD project focuses on understanding nanoscale electrochemistry, which is vital for next-generation devices in the electrification transition. It investigates how activity at one nanoelectrode site, or "hot spot," affects nearby sites via local fluctuations, such as in electrochemical potential or concentration. Using advanced simulations like transition path sampling with molecular dynamics and neural network potentials, the study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms behind these fluctuations and their impact on reaction rates. By modeling interactions between two hot spots under confined conditions, it will explore how correlations arise in non-equilibrium systems. The work involves developing novel simulation methodologies and collaborating with experimental research at the Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute of the Netherlands (ANION), contributing to sustainable electrochemical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced path sampling simulations of classical molecular dynamics (MD), DFT-based MD and neural-net potentials to probe the activity at an electrode surface in general, and resolving the origin of the electrochemical fluctuations and correlations in particular. Further, the candidate will set up a multiscale reaction-diffusion model to bridge larger scales. This will yield insight under which (non-equilibrium) conditions correlations can emerge.
The candidate will collaborate with other ANION institutes and researchers, carry out independent research under supervision, write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and disseminate their work at (inter)national conferences.
Tasks and responsibilities:
A recent MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or related field.
Your experience and profile:
A background in numerical methods or molecular simulations and/or affinity/experience with molecular simulations and/or DFT calculations is a plus.
We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is a soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 and € 3,670 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance.
The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced path sampling simulations of classical molecular dynamics (MD), DFT-based MD and neural-net potentials to probe the activity at an electrode surface in general, and resolving the origin of the electrochemical fluctuations and correlations in particular. Further, the candidate will set up a multiscale reaction-diffusion model to bridge larger scales. This will yield insight under which (non-equilibrium) conditions correlations can emerge.
The candidate will collaborate with other ANION institutes and researchers, carry out independent research under supervision, write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and disseminate their work at (inter)national conferences.
Tasks and responsibilities:
A recent MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or related field.
Your experience and profile:
A background in numerical methods or molecular simulations and/or affinity/experience with molecular simulations and/or DFT calculations is a plus.
We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is a soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 and € 3,670 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
• Prof. dr. P.G. Bolhuis, [email protected]
Do you recognise yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 February, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications in .pdf should include:
• a curriculum vitae
• a letter of motivation
• any other required information
We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found.
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
• Prof. dr. P.G. Bolhuis, [email protected]
Do you recognise yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 February, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications in .pdf should include:
• a curriculum vitae
• a letter of motivation
• any other required information
We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found.
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