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Ph.D. POSITION: THEORETICAL MODELLING OF DISSOCIATIVE CHEMISORPTION OF METHANE ON NICKEL (NWO-PIONIER project). In the theoretical chemistry group of the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, research is done on chemical reactions involving hydrogen atoms. In the group, a new position has opened up for a Ph.D. student (assistent-in-opleiding, AIO), for research on the dynamics of dissociative chemisorption. The position is available immediately. The research is done in the framework of a NWO-PIONIER project. The research project: The successful candidate will use theory to study the dissociative chemisorption of CH4 on Ni(111). The dissociation of methane on metal surfaces has been much studied experimentally, also because it represents the first and most important step in the production of hydrogen through steam reforming and catalytic partial oxidation. Many interesting questions concerning the dissociation process remain unanswered. One open question is which molecular vibration is best excited prior to collision with the surface to promote the dissociation of methane. The dissociative chemisorption of methane will be studied using advanced density functional and quantum dynamical methods. In the project, the successful candidate will be working with Prof. Geert-Jan Kroes. The successful candidate should have: - A bachelors or masters degree in chemistry, physics, or applied mathematics. - Demonstrated strength in theoretical and/or computational subjects, as apparent for instance from academic records. Experience with electronic structure or quantum dynamics calculations, and experience in computer programming and/or in the use of numerical methods, will be considered an advantage. The Leiden Institute of Chemistry offers a Ph.D. programme with topics ranging from theoretical chemical physics to molecular biology, and participates in several undergraduate programmes, including Chemistry, Sustainable Molecular Science and Technology, and Life Science and Technology. Additional information can be obtained from Geert-Jan Kroes, tel. +31-71-5274396, E-mail: [log in to unmask] The position is open to scientists of all nationalities. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, list of grades, and arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to Geert-Jan Kroes ([log in to unmask]) at the following address: Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands. The deadline for receiving the material is Friday June 27'th, 2003. -- G.J.Kroes ([log in to unmask]) LIC Gorlaeus Laboratoria Universiteit Leiden Postbus 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands Tel: +31 71 527 4396 Fax: +31 71 527 4488 Web: http://rulgla.leidenuniv.nl/researchers_frame.html