Openings

The M4L Lab is looking for one Postdoctoral Researcher and two Ph.D. students. The positions start as early as Fall 2022. The successful applicants will work with Dr. David Cereceda on interdisciplinary research topics that involve Computational Mechanics, First-principles calculations, and Machine Learning. Please, see the description of each position below.

 

Position 1: Postdoctoral researcher

Topic:  Surface Effects on Plasma-Facing Materials Through First-Principles Calculations 
Qualifications​: ​

• Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related fields. 

• Strong background in solid-state density-functional theory computations (VASP, QE).

• Strong computer skills: Linux, Python, etc.

• Experience performing ab initio simulations on high-performance computing environments.

• Experience with the development of novel methods for modeling the effects of structure and composition on interfacial chemical and electrochemical reactivity.

• Good publication record.

Starting date: The position is open beginning as early as September 1, 2022.  The position is initially a one-year appointment, but funding is available for a second year. Evaluations will start immediately until the position is filled.

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Position 2: Ph.D. student

Topic:  Physics-informed machine learning models of bio-inspired materials

Qualifications:

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.

• Strong background in machine learning and deep learning.

• Strong background in Solid and Computational Mechanics. 

• Prior experience in numerical modeling with FEM (ABAQUS, ANSYS).

• Prior experience with High-Performance Computing is desirable but not required

• Willingness and motivation to work in a highly interdisciplinary field. 

Starting date: Fall 2022.

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Position 3: Ph.D. student

Topic: First-principles calculations of structural fusion energy materials

Qualifications​:

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.

• Prior experience in solid-state density-functional theory computations (VASP, QE).

• Prior experience with High-Performance Computing is desirable but not required

• Willingness and motivation to work in a highly interdisciplinary field. 

Starting date: Fall 2022.

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How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to email Dr. David Cereceda (david.cereceda@villanova.edu) with their latest CV, a statement describing their research experience and interests, B.S. and M.S. transcripts, English test scores (foreign applicants), Ph.D. thesis (for postdoc applications) and the contact information for 3 references, all as email attachments in PDF format. This and any other specific inquiries should be addressed with “#Name: Postdoc applicant-Fall-2022” (for postdoc position) or “#Name: Ph.D. applicant-Fall-2022” (for Ph.D. position) in the subject line. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit these materials to Dr. David Cereceda before submitting the online application at Villanova University.