We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD thesis on
Ab-initio Simulation of Optical Properties of Noble-Metal Clusters at
the Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanosciences de Marseille, France
(CINaM), co-supervised with the Centre of Condensed Matter Physics
(IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.

The optical properties of many noble-metal nanoclusters are dominated,
in the visible and the ultraviolet ranges, by the strong optical
absorption due to the appearance of localized surface-plasmon
resonances (LSPR).

In this PhD thesis, we will focus on the influence of the detailed
chemical composition / configuration and of the surrounding of the
clusters. The optical absorption of the systems will be studied by
means of state-of-the-art ab initio computational tools based on
Density-Functional Theories. We will in particular study the real-time
dynamics of the electronic states and density. Work in close contact
with experimental collaborators is also foreseen.

A 3-years PhD Grant will be provided within the framework of the
“Excellence Academy – PhD Collegium” of A*MIDEX. The thesis will be
carried out at the CINaM (Marseille), codirected with the IFIMAC
(Madrid), where the young researcher will have the opportunity to
interact with one of the internationally leading groups in
nanoplasmonics. In addition, the project will profit from a network
of existing national and international collaborations, in particular
within the European Theoretical Spectroscopy Facility (www.etsf.eu)
and the GDR Nanoalliages.

Candidates should have a solid background in condensed matter physics
and/or quantum chemistry, with working knowledge on computational and
numerical methods. Research experience at MSc level is required,
preferably in the development and/or application of ab initio modeling
tools. Furthermore, the candidate should be enthusiastic about the
prediction and theoretical understanding of quantum phenomena
concerning light-matter interaction at the nanoscale. He/she
must be interested and able to work in collaboration within
international multidisciplinary teams.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Hans-Christian
Weissker at the CINaM Marseille (weissker@cinam.univ-mrs.fr) or
Dr. Pablo García-González at the IFIMAC (pablo.garciagonzalez@uam.es)
before March 26. A formal dossier of application to the A*MIDEX
(http://amidex.univ-amu.fr) will have to be prepared in which the
profile/quality of the candidate has a large weight. Necessary
documents for the application are: a CV including the grades of
previous education (in particular during the MSc) and the names of
two references (or two letters of recommendation), as well as a letter
of motivation.