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Faculty of Physics and Astronomy :
Chair of Theoretical Physics / Computational Design of Functional Interfaces Computational Design of Functional Interfaces (CoDeFI)
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
PhD Student (m/f/x)
The Research Center Future Energy Materials and Systems of the Ruhr Research Alliance is dedicated to developing innovative materials and systems for sustainable energy technologies. Its research spans photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, energy storage, fuel cells, and sustainable chemical processes. Bringing together physicists, chemists, engineers, and materials scientists, the center uses an interdisciplinary approach to address the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. It also provides graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and further their training in energy materials and systems. Professor Botti’s chair is part of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at Ruhr University Bochum, a leading institution for both experimental and theoretical research in physics and astronomy. The faculty’s core strengths include condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and particle physics. Professor Botti specializes in the first-principles simulation of electronic excitations and the optical properties of complex materials. Her current research focuses on computational materials design for functional interfaces, as well as high-throughput strategies for tailoring doping and alloying in materials for energy applications.
As a research assistant (m/f/x), you will independently and reliably develop and implement machine learning models and prepare and curate synthetic datasets tailored to the evaluation of the optical properties of complex materials.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Jahre
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-01-05
Your tasks:
- You will develop machine learning models for predicting excitation properties of materials and for real-time simulations of light–matter interactions.
- You will contribute to generating and curating training datasets derived from first-principles calculations, including density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT).
- You will apply the developed models to realistic simulations and compare the results with experimental data in collaboration with experimental partners.
- You will maintain thorough documentation of code, datasets, and methodological developments to ensure reproducibility and effective knowledge transfer.
- You will prepare scientific publications and present your results at national and international conferences.
- You will engage and collaborate with other research groups within RC FEMS.
Your profile:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics.
- Solid knowledge of quantum mechanics, demonstrated through completed coursework equivalent to Quantum Mechanics I and Quantum Mechanics II.
- Strong background in mathematics and machine learning.
- Excellent programming skills in Python, Fortran, and C++.
- Deep knowledge of machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Readiness and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration, including work on short timescales.
We offer:
Flexible working hours with consideration for study times, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings, Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
- You will be part of ICAMS, a leading center for machine learning and data-driven science in the field of materials research.
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
Applications should be submitted in English and must include: 1) a curriculum vitae, 2) copies of all university degrees and certificates, and 3) transcripts of records from undergraduate studies.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Deborah Kowolik +49 234 32 17776
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-01-05. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5249.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA