Ph.D. 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.
Project
The successful candidates will work on the development, implementation, and application of new quantum-chemical methods that are 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.
Profile
* A genuine interest in quantum chemistry and electronic-structure theory is paramount.
* Applicants should hold a master degree in chemistry or physics or an equivalent degree.
* A good command of basic mathematics, in particular linear algebra, and quantum mechanics is required.
* Good programming skills (preferably C++) are highly desirable.
* Experience with quantum-chemical calculations, especially coupled-cluster theory, is desirable, but not necessarily required.
* 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 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 for up to 4 years after positive evaluation.
* Budgets for conference participation and consumables.
* Training in management, science communication, and teaching as offered by the Arenberg Doctoral School of KU Leuven.
* High-level exciting international research environment, large international research network, recognized international reputation.
* Up to 20% of the work time will be devoted to service duties, such as teaching and supervision of master students.
* 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,
– transcripts of grades obtained for all university courses taken at bachelor and master level (if you are in the last year of a master program: grades obtained up to date),
– a copy of your master thesis (if you are in the last year of a master program: your bachelor thesis or an equivalent document),
– 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