Overview

Postdoc position in theoretical glass physics / computational science at NOMATEN Centre of Excellence, National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), Poland.

Location: National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), ul. Andrzeja Sołtana 7, 05-400 Otwock, Poland (Suburb of Warsaw).

The NOMATEN Centre of Excellence focuses on the characterization, analysis and development of advanced multifunctional materials designed to work in extreme conditions (radiation, high temperature, corrosion). More information at NOMATEN CoE and project descriptions: www.nomaten.ncbj.gov.pl.

The position is funded under the project "Designing Improved Metallic Glasses" led by Dr. Silvia Bonfanti, within the FIRST TEAM program of the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG).

Project period: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028.

Responsibilities

• Conductoretical and computational research in glass physics with focus on complex metallic glasses.
• Computational Modeling of Glassy Materials: perform large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to study structural, mechanical and dynamical properties of metallic glasses.
• Develop computational approaches to analyze deformation mechanisms, relaxation dynamics and phase stability in disordered materials.
• Statistical mechanics & theoretical analysis: apply statistical mechanics and thermodynamic principles to investigate energy landscapes, aging and plasticity; develop analytical models and data-driven methods to understand glass transition and mechanical behavior under extreme conditions.
• Machine learning for material characterization: implement ML techniques for structure-property predictions in disordered systems; identify descriptors for glass formation, stability and mechanical performance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics (awarded within 7 years before publishing the ad).
• Interest in glasses; topics include deformation, machine learning approaches, and complex metallic glasses. Example publications cited in the original description.
• Preferred background: statistical mechanics, computational simulations, machine learning.
• Documented scientific achievements in peer-reviewed articles; fluent English (speaking and writing); strong motivation and ability to assimilate new knowledge and technical skills; good interpersonal and communication skills to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

Conditions and benefits

Salary: 13,000 PLN per month (approx. 3,100 EUR per month at current exchange rate). Details depend on qualifications and experience; compensation includes base salary, seniority addition, functional addition and project bonus.

Contract: Full-time, 45 months (possible extension to 48 months).

International collaboration within NOMATEN partners (NCBJ, CEA, VTT) and other scientific partners; access to research infrastructure; travel funds for conferences and collaboration.

Support for relocation and equal opportunities; flexible working hours; family-friendly environment; guidance from an experienced local team.

Required documents

• Cover letter (max 1 page)
• CV with complete publication list
• Brief description of important scientific achievements and outlook (max 2 pages)
• Two reference letters arranged by applicants and submitted before the deadline

The recruitment is open to candidates who do not yet hold a PhD at the time of application but have a fixed date for obtaining the title before the planned employment date. In that case, provide documents proving this.

• As an attachment, sign and enclose the declaration: I agree to the processing of my personal data included in this application for recruitment purposes.

Additional documents may be requested. We reserve the right to contact only selected candidates and to inform only the selected candidate about the decision.

Short-listed candidates may be interviewed in person or remotely.

Position starts on: April 15th, 2025 (earliest).

Data protection information

• The controllers of personal data processed during recruitment: National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ).
• Data protection officer contact: Personal Data Protection Officer, NCBJ, Sołtana 7, 05-400 Otwock, Poland.
• Providing data is a condition for applying; data processing is based on consent; you may withdraw consent at any time.
• Your data will not be shared with other recipients or transferred to a third country.
• You have rights to access, rectify or erase data and to lodge complaints with relevant authorities as described in GDPR information.

The National Centre for Nuclear Research is awarded by HR Excellence in Research. Recruitment in NOMATEN follows the OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-based recruitment) framework.