PhD Scholarship: Quantum Chemistry: Join an interdisciplinary team exploring the quantum-chemical origins of life! A fully funded PhD position is available in Computational Astrobiology and Quantum Chemistry at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. Work with experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other international institutions to investigate prebiotic chemistry under extraterrestrial conditions, with a focus on Saturn’s moon Titan.
🎓 PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Computational Astrobiology & Quantum Chemistry
📌 Designation:
PhD Student (Doctoral Candidate)
🧪 Research Area:
- Computational Astrobiology
- Quantum Chemistry
- Prebiotic Chemistry
- Planetary Science
📍 Location:
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
✅ Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master’s degree or equivalent (chemistry, materials science, physics, or related fields)
- Strong background in quantum chemistry or computational physics
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
- A bachelor’s degree (4-year U.S. equivalent) may also be acceptable via special admission
- Preferred experience in:
- Organic chemistry, astrochemistry, space science
- Programming (Python)
- Quantum chemistry software (e.g., Gaussian, ORCA) or DFT tools (e.g., VASP)
📝 Job Description:
- Conduct DFT and ab initio calculations for astrochemical and prebiotic systems
- Simulate Titan-like environments to explore formation of life’s precursors
- Collaborate with planetary scientists and experimental chemists (e.g., NASA JPL)
- Publish research findings and participate in doctoral coursework
- Optional teaching or administrative duties (up to 20%)
- Duration: 4 years (extendable to 5 years with teaching responsibilities)
💼 What’s Offered:
- Starting monthly salary: 34,550 SEK
- Comprehensive health insurance and at least 28 vacation days/year
- Parental leave and work-life balance support
- Inclusion in the GENIE gender equality initiative
- Free Swedish language courses
- International, dynamic research environment in Gothenburg
📄 How to Apply:
Submit your application in English through the online portal (link at the bottom of the official Chalmers announcement).
Attach the following PDF files (each max 40 MB, no Zip files):
- CV (include publications, label: “CV, Surname”)
- Contact Details for two referees
- Personal Letter (1–3 pages, label: “Personal Letter, Surname”)
- Introduction & background
- Professional interests & goals
- Motivation for applying
- Academic Documents:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (if available)
- Transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or English-written academic work)
📌 Applications via email or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
🗓️ Last Date to Apply:
May 4th, 2025 (Star Wars Day)
📧 Contact for Queries:
Associate Professor Martin Rahm
[Chalmers University of Technology]
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