Postdoctoral Researcher in the area of Chiral Phonons in Quantum Paraelectric Materials

Within the project Static and Dynamic Crystal Chirality, which is a Swiss National Science Foundation "replacement ERC" Advanced Grant, we are working to develop a combined phenomenological and quantitative first-principles theory of static and dynamic chirality in crystalline materials.

The specific sub-project advertised here seeks to understand the unexpectedly large measured magnetic moments of circularly polarized / chiral phonons in quantum paraelectric materials.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop machine-learned force fields trained on density functional theory (DFT) outputs for representative quantum paraelectrics and use these force fields to perform lattice-dynamics simulations with explicit quantum mechanical treatment of the nuclei.

A PhD in Computational Materials Physics or a related area is required.

• Experience with electronic structure calculations is essential.
• Familiarity with the use of machine-learning tools in materials science is desirable.
• An interest in active collaboration with experts in experimental characterization is preferred.

Candidates should be able to work both independently and collaboratively and contribute to the positive research group environment. The research team functions most effectively when the members have a diversity of backgrounds, and we aim to be 100% LGBTQ+ friendly.

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.