The Physics of AmoRphous and Inorganic Solids Laboratory (PARISlab) at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is seeking some outstanding candidates for several open Ph.D. positions. Special emphasis is placed on recruiting talented, self-motivated candidates with a solid background in physics, condensed/soft matter, materials science, chemical engineering, or chemistry. Experience in programming, simulations techniques (classical or ab initio molecular dynamics, density functional theory, mesoscale simulations, Monte-Carlo, metadynamics, peridynamics, etc.), and/or data analytics (data mining, machine learning, etc.) is mandatory.

Open positions:

Specific domains of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Mechanical properties of glasses and disordered/heterogeneous materials (using molecular dynamics, machine learning, and peridynamics),
• Relaxation of disordered atomic networks (using molecular dynamics, machine learning, and metadynamics),
• Prediction of the thermodynamical properties of zeolite phases (using density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and thermodynamical modeling),
• Nucleation and crystal growth (using molecular dynamics and metadynamics),
• Corrosion of nuclear waste immobilization glasses (using reactive molecular dynamics),
• Carbon capture and mineralization (using density functional theory and reactive molecular dynamics)
• Big data and machine learning applied to materials science and engineering.

The candidate will work in the group of Prof. Bauchy at UCLA, in strong collaboration with other computational students/postdocs in PARISlab and experimental students/postdocs/faculty in the Laboratory for the Chemistry of Construction Materials (LC²). Active collaboration with other members of the laboratory with complementary expertise (both in modeling and experiments) is encouraged and expected. We are specialized in the modeling of disordered materials of engineering interest. Our group adopts an aggressive publication strategy and targets high-impact journals. More information can be found at: http://www.lab-paris.com and http://www.lcc-ucla.com.

Required qualifications:

For consideration, applicants should possess the following qualifications or attributes: (a) a B.S. or M.S. degree from a reputable university in a related thematic area and an interest in pursuing a research career, (b) a strong interest in programming and computational approaches, (c) a fundamental understanding of material science, thermodynamics, and inorganic chemistry, and (d) an interest in working in an interdisciplinary research environment. Applicants with relevant experience will be given special preference. The successful candidates will be expected to take personal initiative to structure tasks to meet project goals, network and communicate with other partners involved in the project, mentor undergraduate students, author innovative/impactful publications, and report results at international conferences. The positions are funded for a period of 3-to-5 years.

How to apply:

If you meet the above requirements and are interested in this position, please provide by email (bauchy@ucla.edu) a detailed resume, a short personal statement explaining your scientific and research interests, and contact information for three referees in support of your application (as PDF files). Recruitment will remain open until the positions are filled.

Contact:

Prof. Mathieu Bauchy — bauchy@ucla.edu
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of California, Los Angeles
420 Westwood Plaza, 5731 Boelter Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
http://www.lab-paris.com