Quantum molecular collisional calculations for processes of astrophysical interest: Optimization of numerical methods
A PhD position is available on a joint project lead by the Theoretical Molecular Dynamics group for Astrophysics at LPMAA, the University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France and by the cold collisions team of the theory group at Institut des Sciences Moléculaires (ISM), University of Bordeaux, France.
The LPMAA research interests lie in theoretical and experimental spectroscopic studies of small molecules relevant to atmospheric physics, environment and planetology, in experimental studies of isotopic anomalies of ozone, in experimental studies of molecular processes in ices and on surfaces for astrophysical applications, in theoretical investigations of molecular collisional processes relevant to astrophysics and atmospheric physics, in theoretical and experimental atmospheric physics.
The cold collisions team of the theory group at the ISM in Bordeaux works on inelastic and reactive collisions in the gas phase relevant to astrochemistry or to the cooling and trapping of molecules. The team is experienced in the calculation of potential energy surface and develops the quantum scattering codes used to perform the dynamics calculations. It also benefits from the collaboration with the experimental astrochemistry group of the ISM which performs crossed beam, laval nozzle and fast flow reactor experiments
The research project involves theoretical investigation of collisional excitation processes which are ultimately important for the understanding of high mass star formation. Particular focus will lie on excitation of bending states of molecules. The candidate will be involved in scientific contents of the BASECOL database (http://basecol.obspm.fr) and will be involved into the exciting IT field of building an interoperable infrastructure for the exchange of atomic and molecular data (http://www.vamdc.eu).
We seek an individual with a master (M2) degree in physics or theoretical chemistry and with a strong interest in implementing the tools of quantum mechanics on computers to simulate molecular excitation processes. Candidates having a master degree (M2) in Applied Mathematics might consider as the work involves designing new algorithms to optimize codes using MPI, OpenMP and/or Grid Computing.
The position is linked to the European effort ASTRONET and the LPMAA group is a part of the collaboration CATS (Coherent set of Astrophysical Tools for Spectroscopy, http://www.astro.uni-koeln.de/projects/schilke/PublicCATS) which includes 18 chemists, astronomers, and physicists from France, Germany, and Sweden. The PhD will be co-supervised in Dr Stoecklin's group (http://www.ism.u-bordeaux1.fr/spip.php?rubrique9) and will benefit from the support of a scientific computer engineer from LPMAA
The position is for 3 years and is available immediately, the closing date is November 30th 2010. Applicants should submit a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, names and addresses of two referees and a grade record of their Master’s examination.
The PhD position is for 3 years maximum beginning immediately. Working language is english and/or french. Basic command of french is recommended for everyday life in France.
The PhD will be registered at the "Ecole Doctorale Astronomie et Astrophysique d'Ile-de-France" (http://ecole-doctorale.obspm.fr/) and be based in Paris and/or in Bordeaux.
Interested candidates are invited to send their application including a CV, a statement of qualifications relevant for the position, and names and contact information of two references BEFORE 30th November 2010 by email to:
M.L. Dubernet-Tuckey: [log in to unmask]
and to
T. Stoecklin: [log in to unmask]
Further questions may be directed to:
[log in to unmask]
+33 (0) 1 44 27 70 34
Information on Université Pierre et Marie Curie and LPMAA can be found on:
http://www.upmc.fr/
http://www.upmc.fr/fr/recherche/pole_2/pole_energie_matiere_et_univers2/laboratoire_de_physique_moleculaire_pour_l_atmosphere_et_l_astrophysique_lpmaa_umr_7092.html
http://www.lpma.jussieu.fr/
General Information for preparing stay in Paris can be found on:
http://www.ciup.fr/
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