Postdoc irradiation driven solute redistribution in Ni and Zr base alloys

This project is interfaces between industry, Swedish safety authorities, and the university. It exemplifies how atomistic 1st principles studies contribute complementary insight to field studies and experiments characterized by for example atom probe tomography or microscopy. It will give you unique insight into the nuclear energy sector. You will find a field eager to learn of your findings, and also allowing you to develop new contacts and extend your scientific network. Project description The project title is "First-principles based mechanistic studies of irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking in Ni base and Zr base alloys". The context is nuclear energy conversion and therein the ability of the load bearing materials to withstand the radiation field in vicinity of the fuel. Of major concern are the impacts of transformations of the alloy owing to atomic displacements. You will perform 1st principles atomistic electronic structure calculations by means of Density Functional Theory on the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing, SNIC. These calculations will include identifying descriptors controlling the interplay between alloying elements, second-phase particles, any dissolved hydrogen and irradiation induced vacancies in the alloy matrix. Relevant are stability of transients, activation energies of diffusion, as well as drivers for segregation. You will work closely with Prof Itai Panas. Information about the division and the department You will work in the division of Energy and Materials at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers. It ranges from theoretical chemistry, light-matter interactions, corrosion science, combustion technologies, nuclear chemistry, and industrial materials recycling. Your activity will be housed in the theoretical chemistry group that has extended experience in the topic of the project. Additional parties involved in the project includes the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority as well as the research laboratory Studsvik AB. Major responsibilities The computational models as well as analysis of data will be formulated jointly, while you will be responsible for performing the calculations, structuring the data, reading up on the literature and drafting manuscripts. You will present our results to the stakeholders. Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector. Qualifications 1. Expert in applying density functional theory to explore properties and chemical transformations in the solid state and at interfaces as evidenced a PhD thesis on a relevant topic. 2. Experience of working on large-scale high-performance computing resources is meritorious. 3. Programing skills clearly plus. To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service*. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. * The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree. Contract terms This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years. We offer Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees. Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers. Application procedure The application should be marked with 20240280 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including: • CV, include complete list of publications • Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences • Two references that we can contact. Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number) 1-3 pages where you: • Introduce yourself • Describe your previous research fields and main research results • Describe your future goals and future research focus Other documents: • Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates. Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Application deadline: 2024-05-25   For questions, please contact: Professor Itai Panas, Div. of Energy and Materials, itai@chalmers.se