Applications are invited for a PhD position at the Energy Department (DENERG) of Politecnico di Torino (www.polito.it) on Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of transport phenomena at the nanoscale. The 3-year PhD studentship stems from the Thermalskin research project (FIRB grant, www.thermalskin.org), and the selected candidate will work with Prof. Pietro Asinari and other members of the SMaLL group.

A preliminary familiarization with Molecular Dynamics techniques is planned under the supervision of Dr. Eliodoro Chiavazzo (6 months), whereas the subsequent research activity (30 months) will be carried out both at Politecnico di Torino and, eventually, at one of the academic institutions currently collaborating with the SMaLL group (Europe or United Stated, up to 18 months).

Appointments can start any time from now to the end of September 2013 (application deadline). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Brief project summary: The successful candidate will focus on the computational and theoretical investigation of transport phenomena at the nano-interface of technologically relevant materials, such as colloids, biopolymers and crystals. The effort will be directed towards the development of computational tools to quantify and model heat and mass transport across these interfaces. The final aim is to contribute to the rational design of novel materials for energy (e.g. heat flux control, high-efficiency cooling), chemical (e.g. catalysis, desalination) and biomedical (e.g. drug delivery, imaging) applications. 

The research activity will combine non-equilibrium and equilibrium computer simulations, as well as non-equilibrium thermodynamics and model reduction techniques. Experimental activities will be carried out for validating purposes.

Requirements: Proficiency in high-level programming language (e.g. Matlab, Octave) and thermodynamics is mandatory. Good understanding of fluid mechanics and condensed matter physics is highly desirable. Previous experience with molecular dynamics technique and software (e.g. GROMACS, LAMMPS) will be a plus. 

CV and inquires may be addressed to: 

Pietro Asinari (pietro.asinari@polito.it)

Employer

Politecnico di Torino is known both in Italy and abroad as a leading institution to study engineering and architecture. Tradition combines with innovation to make its campus a stimulating environment offering a wealth of opportunities.

Our university has around 32,000 students, with 50% from outside the region and about 15% who are foreign - the highest percentage in Italy. Our degrees are internationally recognised and students can choose to follow degree courses taught in English or, thanks to our links with some of the most prestigious universities around the world, undertake periods of study abroad as part of their course.

Students choose Politecnico di Torino for its established reputation, for being highly selective and sometimes even "tough". However, we do reward students for merit and provide a strong basis for future career success. Students who are looking for a thorough education which is relevant to the job market or who are interested in research and a multidisciplinary approach will be attracted to what our university has to offer. Graduates from Politecnico of Turin receive an education that goes far beyond technical knowledge.

Politecnico di Torino offers a multicultural study environment and has a close relationship to businesses, which share our premises and work with us on many projects giving students the opportunity to gain work experience while still at university.

The "Cittadella Politecnica" is a new campus area where research, teaching and training go hand in hand with local and student services as well as financial and cultural activities. It also houses the Business Research Center, where various international companies have established their most advanced research centers, and the Polo Venture Capital, which provides real opportunities for developing research. The new areas also contain classrooms, study rooms, a canteen and a sports center which will open shortly.

Politecnico di Torino is therefore a true research university, where education and research combine to meet the real needs of the local area and economy and most importantly those of the students.

The Politecnico offers a unique experience for students who want to shape their own future.