Postdoc positions in quantum chemistry
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 17/02/26
The Division of Quantum Chemistry and Physical Chemistry within the Department of Chemistry consists of four professors and many Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers of various international backgrounds.
The successful candidates will be part of the project UNBOUND TWO (Theory of Nonradiative Decay with Two or More Electrons at Play) funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant and work under the supervision of Prof. dr. Thomas Jagau.
Responsibilities
The project UNBOUND TWO aims to develop the quantum chemistry methods that is needed to interpret spectroscopies involving two or more unbound electrons. This requires an evenhanded treatment of singly-excited and doubly-excited states. With the new methods, we will study the interaction of organic molecules and transition-metal compounds in gas phase and solution with ionizing radiation and free electrons over an energy range from 1000 eV. This includes processes such as Auger and Coster-Kronig cascades, dissociative recombination, and dissociative electron attachment.
Successful candidates are expected to take the lead in developing, implementing, and applying new quantum-chemical methods. This includes
* code development for higher-order coupled-cluster methods such as CC3, CCSDT, and CCSDt,
* development of methods for the treatment of scalar-relativistic and spin-orbit effects, including applications to 3d transition-metal compounds,
* theoretical modeling of dissociative recombination and dissociative electron attachment.
Assistance in other research and teaching activities such as guidance of bachelor, master and Ph.D. students may be required.
Profile
* A genuine interest in quantum chemistry and electronic-structure theory is paramount.
* Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in theoretical chemistry or theoretical physics or an equivalent degree.
* Good programming skills (preferably C++) are required.
* Experience with one of the following topics is especially desirable: 1) higher-order coupled-cluster methods such as CC3, CCSDT, and CCSDt, 2) scalar-relativistic and spin-orbit effects, 3) dissociative recombination and dissociative electron attachment.
* Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
* Projects can be tailored to fit the expertise, scientific background, and interest of the successful applicants.
Offer
* Competitive tax-exempt fellowship commensurate with seniority and experience, and including full social security benefits, holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus, bicycle allowance, and access to cultural and sports facilities at discounted rates.
* The work contract is initially for 1 year and renewable once after positive evaluation.
* Budgets for conference participation and consumables.
* High-level exciting international research environment, large international research network, recognized international reputation.
* Possibility to take part in the teaching activities of the department and to be promotor of master students.
* Possibility to extend the research project through application for an FWO or MSCA fellowship.
* The start date is negotiable but preferably before 1 October 2026.
Website of the project UNBOUND TWO
Interested?
Your application should include in pdf format
– a brief cover letter explaining your research interests and motivation to apply,
– your curriculum vitae,
– your list of publications,
– your Ph.D. certificate,
– your bachelor and master certificates including transcripts of grades,
– the names and contact details of 2–3 academic referees (preferably not all from the same institution).
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Thomas Jagau, mail:
You can apply for this job no later than April 01, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Leuven
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Solliciteren tot en met:
01/04/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Chemie, Natuurkunde en Sterrenkunde