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Training in: Electronic structure simulation techniques including continuum envelope function and density functional theory techniques, deep learning, and evolutionary strategies.
Materials with functionalities of relevance to technology were often discovered by a combination of intuition-driven trial and error and lucky accidents. Given the vast number of unexplored alternatives, this approach has crucial limitations. The best system ever devised for making choices from an almost infinite set of alternatives is evolution itself. This led us look for a systematic approach, namely the inverse design method with artificial evolutionary strategies at its core.
Our approach is to employ evolutionary strategies to systematically scan the configuration space for optimal design candidates. The configuration space is spanned by the morphological parameters describing the nanostructure in question. The associated target properties could be a given wavelength, maximal oscillator strength or wave function overlap, respectively, at the desired wavelength, or – if memory cells are looked for – hole localization energies respective retention times.
For this purpose, we employ different methods for solving the Schrödinger equation as backend using advances software packages such as Nextnano and TiberCad. The candidate will learn how to operate these programs and to analyze the electronic structure of various types nanomaterials. The prospective inverse design module will be established on top of the related QM software.
Environment
Institution: The TU Berlin (TUB) is one of the largest universities of technology in Germany. It is successfully running three excellence clusters funded by DFG and will receive funding for three more clusters in the near future. Institute/Laboratory: Within TUB, the objective of the Institute of Solid State Physics is the advancement of fundamental research and applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The groups of applied physics and optics have a long-standing expertise in growth, optical/electrical characterization - in particular of antimony-based quantum dots - and modeling of nano-structures. Location/City: TUB is located right in the center of Berlin.
Requirements
We seek an excellent, open-minded and team-spirited PhD candidate with: Graduation: a Physics, Chemistry or Engineering degree. Post-graduation: successful candidates will have a separate Master in a scientific field, or, an integrated Master (MPhys, MSci, MEng, MChem etc.). Previous experience in a research environment involving solid state physics, computational science, math or similar will be positively considered. Other: The successful candidate should have good knowledge and interest in both experimental and theoretical work.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply to a maximum of four different ESR positions in the network using the links below. Applications must include the following documents: 
- An internal application form listing your academic and job records (.docx template available here).
- A free format CV (pdf format max 2 Mb)
- Official documentation such as degree and grades certificates will be required at a later stage.
