PhD Position (m/f/x) in the field of Computational Modeling of Alloys

Graz University of Technology; Österreich; Vor Ort; EUR 52 000 - 60 000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading Austrian university is seeking a part-time researcher to join a project on superconducting materials. The role involves applying advanced calculation methods and collaborating with international researchers. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in solid-state physics and programming skills. A supportive and flexible working environment is provided, along with opportunities for development.

Leistungen

Flexible working schedule

International training opportunities

Public transport subsidy

University’s sports program

Shopping discounts

Workplace health management

Opportunities for personal development

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, and numerical methods.
• Experience with ab initio techniques, especially density functional theory.
• Good command of English (spoken and written).

Aufgaben

• Perform DFT and electron–phonon coupling calculations for superconductors.
• Investigate effects of chemical composition on superconducting properties.
• Analyze data to identify trends and derive design principles.
• Collaborate with international project partners.
• Prepare scientific publications.

Kenntnisse

Solid-state physics

Quantum mechanics

Numerical methods

Programming skills (Python, Fortran, C++)

Linux environments

High-performance computing

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Analytical skills

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in physics, materials science, or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics

Organisation/Company Graz University of Technology Department Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Austria Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 30 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 5150 / 2025 / 8927 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Your Responsibilities

This position is part of the FWF-funded project Computational Modeling of Real-World Alloy Superconductors and focuses on the application and validation of newly developed ab-initio methods for studying conventional and complex superconducting alloys.
The main tasks include:

• Performing DFT and electron–phonon coupling calculations for binary, ternary, and high-entropy alloys.
• Investigating the effects of chemical composition, disorder, and defects on superconducting properties.
• Analyzing and interpreting computed data to identify physical trends and derive design principles.
• Collaborating with international project partners (Sapienza University of Rome, University of Vienna).
• Preparing scientific publications and presenting results at international conferences.

Your Profile

• Strong background in solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, and numerical methods.
• Experience with ab initio techniques (especially density functional theory and DFPT) and their application to materials.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, Fortran, or C++) and familiarity with Linux environments and high-performance computing.
• Interest in the investigation and design of superconducting materials.
• Analytical, structured, and independent working style.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, and very good command of English (spoken and written).

Admission Requirements

Completed master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, materials science, theoretical chemistry, or a related field.

We Offer

• Interesting area of responsibility
• Collegial and friendly working atmosphere
• Flexible working schedule (e.g. possibility for home office, paid lunch break)
• International training and teaching opportunities
• Seal of quality for in-house advancement of women
• Award for being the most family‑friendly company in Styria 2018
• Subsidy for public transport
• University’s sports program
• Shopping Discounts
• Workplace Health Management
• Top research infrastructure and access to the latest technologies
• Exciting opportunities for professional and personal development
• Safe and stable working environment
• Company pension funds

We offer an annual gross salary of at least € 52,007.20 for a fulltime position. An overpayment based on qualification and experience is possible.

Equality Principle

Graz University of Technology aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Graz University of Technology actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities. People with disabilities and who have the relevant qualifications are expressly invited to apply.

Organisational Unit

The Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics (ITCP) at Graz University of Technology combines outstanding research in many-body physics, materials theory and plasma physics. Our teams develop and apply state‑of‑the‑art numerical methods and simulations – from density functional theory through quantum Monte‑Carlo to kinetic plasma modelling. We are embedded in an international network and cooperate with leading research institutions worldwide. With a dynamic team of professors, post‑docs and doctoral researchers we operate in a vibrant environment in Graz. Incoming team members will find an open, supportive research culture, access to high‑performance computing infrastructure, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects.

About us

Graz University of Technology is the longest‑established university of technology in Austria. Here, successful teams of students, talented up‑and‑coming scientists, ambitious researchers and a lively start‑up scene enjoy an inspirational environment as well as access to top‑quality equipment. And all this in one of the most innovative and livable regions in Europe. TU Graz offers an inspiring working environment with outstanding infrastructure and service‑oriented university management.

Additional Information

• Interesting area of responsibility
• Collegial and friendly working atmosphere
• Flexible working schedule (e.g. possibility for home office, paid lunch break)
• International training and teaching opportunities
• Seal of quality for in-house advancement of women
• Award for being the most family‑friendly company in Styria 2018
• Subsidy for public transport
• University’s sports program
• Shopping Discounts
• Workplace Health Management
• Top research infrastructure and access to the latest technologies
• Exciting opportunities for professional and personal development