Subject: 14.05.08Ph.D. Student Position in Rolla, Missouri, USA
Support is available for a qualified graduate student (Ph.D. level) to join my group either in August 2014 or January 2015.While completing a Ph.D. degree in theoretical chemistry, motivated students can expect to develop a strong publication record, travel to conferences, and have opportunities to interact with university and national lab collaborators. Our group is funded by the NSF and DOE.
Background:
Applicants must have - or be close to receiving - a B.Sc. or equivalent in Chemistry or Physics.
Some experience with ab initio calculations is preferred and familiarity with programming is an asset. Ideal candidates will have a background and interest in dynamics and spectroscopy.Proof of English language proficiency is required.
Possible research projects are in the area of global potential energy surfaces (PESs) for spectroscopy and dynamics applications. Development and application of high-level QChem strategies in the context of multiple coupled global PESs. Methods of interest include dynamically weighted MRCI, CCSD(T), explicitly correlated methods (F12), spin-orbit and derivative coupling, and diabatization of coupled electronic states.
These projects contribute to the general interests of my group, which include the spectroscopy and dynamics of small molecules primarily of interest to combustion and atmospheric chemistry. Examples include ro-vibrational spectroscopy, reactivecollisions, energy-transfer, vdW systems, and non-adiabatic dynamics. There are active collaborations (both theoretical and experimental) with staff members at two National labs (Sandia-Combustion Research Facility, and Argonne), as well as with researchers at other Universities in the US and Canada.
Some representative references can be found on my webpage:
Environment:
I am a member of the Department of Chemistry at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Missouri S&T ( is part of the four-campus University of Missouri system and is located in Rolla.The Chemistry department has ~60 Ph.D. students and keeps a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. Rolla (90 minute drive from St. Louis) is a small city of ~19,000 residents and enjoys a low cost of living and good access to various parks and outdoor activities.
Application:
Interested candidates should contact me directly by E-mail, and provide the following material:
- Cover letter commenting on scientific background and interests
- A detailed CV mentioning GRE scores and English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, or native speaker)
- Scanned (unofficial) copies of transcripts;
-Mention the preferred start date. Possible start dates are August, 2014 or January, 2015.
Application process: (Please apply before July 1 for August 2014 start date. Later applications will be considered for a start date of January 2015)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a formal application for graduate studies in the chemistry department. Necessary arrangements (e.g. student VISA etc.) will be made upon acceptance.
Contact:
Richard Dawes
Department of Chemistry
Missouri University of Science and Technology
120Schrenk Hall, 400 W. 11th street
Rolla, MO 65409-0010
Phone: (573) 341-4451
FAX: (573) 341-6033
E-mail: