Research Fellow in Mixed Quantum-Classical Hydrodynamics

Mathematics

Location: Guildford
Salary: £39,347 to £40,521 per annum
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 30 October 2023
Reference: 042823

Applications are invited for the post of Research Fellow in the area of Quantum-Classical Solvation Hydrodynamics based at the University of Surrey. The post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and is part of an international multidisciplinary research project entitled “Solute motion in complex fluids: mathematics and solvation dynamics”.

The programme team intend to advance our current understanding of the dynamical interaction between classical fluid solvents and the quantum solute molecules in solvation processes. 

This general goal will be approached by tools in both computational chemistry and applied mathematics. Specifically, the main objectives are to elucidate;

1. The hydrodynamic response of fluid solvents to the quantum solute motion.
2. The role of the electric fluid polarization in solute-solvent interaction.
3. The effects of the inner molecular structure of the solute.

These objectives are organized in a series of complementary and interconnected efforts led by different academics: Irene Burghardt (Goethe University in Frankfurt), François Gay-Balmaz (NTU in Singapore), Raymond Kapral (University of Toronto), and Cesare Tronci (University of Surrey, UK). The successful candidate will undertake research in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with world-leading collaborations.

This Research Fellow will be working under the direction of Dr Cesare Tronci on the mathematical modelling of quantum-classical hydrodynamics. The interaction of classical and quantum degrees of freedom has attracted much attention in a variety of different fields, including quantum chemistry and solid-state physics. Within this context, the mathematics of Koopman wavefunctions in classical mechanics is leading to new mathematical models of quantum-classical solvation hydrodynamics. Different levels of scientific capabilities will be engaged in this study: on the one hand, the Fellow will investigate the mathematical aspects of quantum-classical hydrodynamics in both reversible and irreversible regimes, on the other hand, they will perform numerical simulations to study decoherence dynamics and other effects of quantum-classical correlations in complex fluid solvents. The methodology will be largely based on Lie group methods and structure-preserving algorithms in geometric mechanics.

Benefiting from the interdisciplinary collaboration with the project partners, the candidate will be;

• A creative, highly motivated, and team-oriented researcher 
• With excellent mathematical and numerical skills
• A high-quality PhD in Applied Mathematics or Theoretical Chemistry/Physics with a solid knowledge of Quantum Mechanics.

This position is for 3 years, starting in January 2024. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Cesare Tronci via email at c.tronci@surrey.ac.uk.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter providing evidence of how you meet the essential criteria which you can review in the attached job description addendum. 

Interviews on the 22nd November 2023 

Further details:    Job Description    

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.