Postdoc Position in NTNU, Norway

Within the research project ‘Fundamental investigations of solute clustering and nucleation of precipitation’ a 2 year’s post doctoral position is offered at the Dept. of Physics, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway, concerning advanced modelling of diffusion, atom ordering and clustering in the solid state.

The position will be part of a project investigating solute ordering and precipitation on the nanoscale in aluminium alloys, by the use of highly advanced experimental techniques (Atom Probe and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)). Precipitates constitute the final stage in the ordering of the solute, and are extremely important for material properties in alloys. Through the years, a large body of experimental results has been available, the details on the atomic level of nucleation and precipitation are largely unknown. This concerns for example how the solute condenses into regions (nuclei), how the nuclei dissolve and grow, how some are stabilized relative to the host material, how they interchange atoms, how this influence diffusion, and how the zones may affect the material properties. A main aim is to understand more of the details of Si-Al clustering, and the corresponding interatomic bonding. The ordering of Si-atoms on the Al-sites may be simulated using common ab initio methods such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) and extensions of this such as the Cluster Expansion Method (CEM), which allows for large-scale Monte-Carlo simulations. Complementary modelling techniques, such as Embedded Atom Method (EAM) molecular dynamics may also be used. The postdoc will work closely with the experimental activities.
We seek:
• A highly motivated candidate with a PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science with experience relevant to modelling and computer simulations, nucleation theory or traditional microstructure in alloys and metals.
• A person with a good theoretical background, who has interests in experiments and can communicate with experimentalists.
• An independent person with initiative who can work alone and guide PhD students.
We offer:
• Active and highly motivated research groups internationally recognised in all aspects of materials science and technology related to light metals.
• Close collaboration with Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NTNU, the Norwegian light metals industry and, SINTEF Materials and Chemistry.
• Collaboration with professor Chris Wolverton, Northwestern University
• Participation in the Norwegian high performance computing program NOTUR.
• Good opportunities to be an active partner in the international research community through participation in conferences, summer schools.

http://home.phys.ntnu.no/brukdef/prosjekter/gemini/index.php?mw=main