Postdoc in the Theory of Non-Equilibrium Chemical Reaction Networks

Postdoc in the Theory of Non-Equilibrium Chemical Reaction Networks

EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland

Mission

The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.

Main duties and responsibilities

The project is conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at the University of Lausanne, led by Prof. Pietro de Anna, where the experimental work will be carried out, and with the Theoretical Chemistry group at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Markus Reiher, which will perform detailed quantum-chemical calculations of reaction rates.

The research will develop along two closely connected directions. First, the successful candidate will work directly with experimentalists to develop rigorous theoretical and computational frameworks for interpreting experimental results and generating testable predictions.

Second, they will investigate simplified and analytically tractable models aimed at identifying general principles governing non-equilibrium chemical reaction networks.

The position is primarily research-oriented. Contributions to teaching activities may be discussed, including the possibility of supervising Master’s students.

Profile

Applicants should have:

• a PhD in physics or related fields, completed or expected to be completed before the starting date;
• a strong and demonstrated background in statistical mechanics;
• experience with both analytical and computational methods.
• Experience with multiphysics simulation software, such as COMSOL or related opensource or commercial packages, would be considered an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French is not necessary