Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
Eligibility: Must have permission to work in Europe (EU residence, work permit, or equivalent)
We, the SUME research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working at the intersection of advanced battery interface design, AI‑driven modelling, and multiscale simulation. The project focuses on understanding and engineering solid–solid and solid–liquid interfaces through an integrated approach combining atomistic (DFT, AIMD, MD), and continuum (FEM) Modelling, supported by machine learning frameworks.
Key responsibilities
- Perform DFT/AIMD simulations to study interfacial electronic/ionic behavior
- Conduct atomistic MD simulations of battery-relevant interfaces
- Develop or apply finite element models for mesoscale interface analysis
- Integrate AI/ML techniques to accelerate multiscale predictions
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to publications
Where to apply
E-mail: mmamme@vub.be
Requirements
Research Field: Computer science
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Eligibility / Required Qualifications
- Strong background in DFT (e.g., VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO)
- Experience in MD simulations (GROMACS, or similar)
- Experience in finite element interface modelling is an advantage
- Solid programming skills (Python, or similar)
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Must have permission to work in Europe (EU residence, work permit, or equivalent)
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Computer science; Engineering
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility / Required Qualifications
- Strong background in DFT (e.g., VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO)
- Experience in MD simulations (GROMACS, or similar)
- Experience in finite element interface modelling is an advantage
- Solid programming skills (Python, or similar)
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Must have permission to work in Europe (EU residence, work permit, or equivalent)
Selection process
Application
Intersted candidates should submit a single PDF file contatining their curriculum vitae, cover letter and contact information of 2 refences to Prof. Dr. Ir. Mesfin Haile Mamme via email mmamme@vub.be, with the subject line “PhD_in_ELEVATE”.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Dept. of Chemistry and Materials (MACH), Research group of Sustinable Materials Engineering (SUME), Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Pleinlaan 2 - 1050 Brussel - www.vub.be; www.surfgroup.be
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Country: Belgium
City: Brussels
Postal Code: 1050
Street: Pleinlaan 2
Contact
State/Province: Brussels Capital Region
City: Etterbeek
Website: https://surf.research.vub.be/
Street: Pleinlaan 2
Postal Code: 1050
E-Mail: mmamme@vub.be
