University of Mons, Physics

4500 18585
Position ID:UMONS-Physics-PHDSTUDENT [#18585]
Position Title: PhD position in Nanophotonics/Molecular Physics at the University of Mons/Belgium
Position Type:Student programs
Position Location:Mons, Hainaut 7000, Belgium [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Physics / Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics
Appl Deadline: finished (2021/05/07, finished 2022/05/14)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY OPEN AND THE OFFER WILL BE REMOVED ONCE A CANDIDATE IS SELECTED. 

Research project

Molecules can both absorb or emit light, as governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. These provide useful understanding of light-molecule interactions in terms of dipole allowed/forbidden transitions, a key concept of photochemistry. Recently, the field of photonics has seen the development of picocavities, which offer unprecedented control of light with highly confined fields and effective wavelengths that shrink down to the nanometer-scale. When a molecule is placed in the vicinity of a picocavity, new physico-chemical effects arise and activate a whole set of usually ‘forbidden’ transitions. Consequently, photochemistry can now be explored beyond the dipolar order. Moreover, hybrid light-matter states (polaritons) can emerge and redefine the whole reactivity of the molecule. This triggers the new and vivid field of polaritonic chemistry.

Nonetheless, the study of such advanced nanostructures is hampered by a lack of efficient and available theoretical methods. In this project, the PhD candidate will implement novel modeling methods to describe higher order photonic transitions in molecules, beyond the standard dipolar approach. Subsequently, the candidate will apply this framework to innovative structures, with an eye towards new chemical applications.

The task of the PhD candidate will mainly be theoretical and numerical: designing, understanding and evaluating structures. You are expected to carry out both independent and collaborative research, to disseminate research findings via publications in international peer-reviewed journals and to participate in international conferences. If interested, the candidate can also benefit from a teaching experience at the University of Mons.

Profile and eligibility

The candidate will hold an MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Nanophysics, Photonics, Materials Science, Engineering Physics (or similar/equivalent) in September 2021. Candidates are encouraged to apply before graduation. Experience in numerical methods for photonics, quantum electrodynamics (QED) and/or quantum chemistry is an asset. The candidate should have a good to intermediate English proficiency.

Financial support

This research is carried out in the context of a 4-year project fully financed by a Concerted Research Action at the University of Mons. This grant has been awarded after an international reviewing process and will also finance a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Mons working on the same project. Salaries are in accordance with the internal University agreement and consists of 1950€/month (Master) to 2250€/month (net amount).


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://web.umons.ac.be/en/
email address
 
Colin Van Dyck
20, place du Parc
7000 Mons
Belgium