25.08.19 PhD position in Computational Homogeneous Photocatalysis at KAUST

CCL 25.08.19 PhD position in Computational Homogeneous Photocatalysis at KAUST

Employer: KAUST - King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Position offered: One PhD position in computational catalysis is available at KAUST (). The position is offered in the group of Prof. Luigi Cavallo ().

The project will focus on developing a deeper mechanistic understanding of photocatalysis, mainly using static DFT and ab initio molecular dynamics of excited states of organic molecules and transition metal complexes.

Within this scholarship the student will acquire the skills needed to build a successful career in independent research, by filling the gap between a student and a scientist. This implies mastering: i) the computational chemistry tools to carry out top class research; ii) developing the needed chemistry knowledge to understand the problem at hand; iii) communicating properly with experimental partners; iv) communicating research effectively in oral presentations and publication in journals; v) developing a critical approach to science; vi) writing independent research proposals.

Strong interaction with experimental groups is expected during the whole PhD. Students at KAUST are expected to graduate within 3 5 years.

Further information on studying chemistry at KAUST is available at: and

Benefits

• A KAUST scholarship will support the student during the whole stay at KAUST.
• Free fully furnished housing.
• Free high standard medical and dental insurance.
• The KAUST is located on the Red Sea shore, close to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Campus life at KAUST is vibrant, with impressive recreational facilities that include an excellent gym, climbing wall, martial arts classes, squash, racquet and tennis courts, basketball and volleyball arena, beach volleyball, and open air pools.

Qualifications

• A recent Ms degree in Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Good knowledge of physical chemistry.
• Proven experience in computational chemistry would be a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Good judgment, independence at work, clear sense of purpose, and accountability.
• TOEFL for non native English speakers.

Useful Websites

Applications should include a CV and contact information of at least two references and should be submitted by email to Prof. Luigi Cavallo at .