Research Assistant / Associate
Theory of Inner Shell Processes Induced by X-ray Free Electron Lasers
Imperial College London - Quantum Optics and Laser Science Group, Department of Physics
South Kensington Campus
Salary: £26,720 - £32,200 per annum
Fixed Term Position - 24 months, from November 2010 (the starting date is flexible)
Applications are invited for a 24 month Research Associate position funded by the EPSRC Grant "Theory of Electronic Processes in Molecules Subject to Intense X-ray Radiation: Towards Single-Molecule X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy" under the supervision of Dr V Averbukh.
The successful candidate will develop first principles theoretical and computational methods for the study of inner-shell electronic processes and apply them to model the interaction of X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) radiation with molecules and clusters. A particular emphasis will be done on the time-domain description of ultrafast electronic decay phenomena. Computational tools of ab initio quantum chemistry, such as Green's function methods, will be used to model various physical scenarios relevant for the XFEL physics, for example Auger electron trapping by a strongly charged molecule or cluster. The project aims at understanding the many-electron dynamics in XFEL-driven polyatomic systems. The outcome of the project will have a direct impact on the XFEL experiments planned at the Quantum Optics and Laser Science Group at Imperial College London as well as by external collaborators and is expected to contribute decisively to understanding of the radiation damage mechanisms in molecule-XFEL interaction.
The candidate should have (or be about to complete) a PhD in theoretical physics, chemistry, or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience in another related field. Expertise in one of the following specific areas is essential:
Computational techniques of ab initio quantum chemistry, including direct methods, resolution of identity technique, iterative methods for large matrix diagonalization, etc.
Many-body theory of atomic and molecular inner-shell processes, such as inner-shell photoionization and photoexcitation, Auger decay, etc.
Track record in constructing advanced electronic structure computer code using FORTRAN 90 or C++ is also essential. Experience with parallel computing would be considered an advantage.
If you would like to discuss the project details, please contact Dr Vitali Averbukh at [log in to unmask], Tel: +44-(0)-20-759-47746.
More information concerning our research can be found at:
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/v.averbukh and http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research/qols/
You will be expected to contribute to the Department's teaching activities up to approximately half a day per week during the academic year, as appropriate.
Our preferred method of application is online via our website http://www.imperial.ac.uk/employment (please select "Job Search" then enter the job title or vacancy reference number into "Keywords" - vacancy ref: NS 2010 104 GA). Please complete and upload an application form as directed.
Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online, please contact Ms Judith Baylis, Tel: 0044 (0)207 594 7713; Email: [log in to unmask] to request an application form.
Closing date: 18 August 2010
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