Postdoc in MD Simulations and Theory of NanoFriction (Erio Tosatti's Group, SISSA, Trieste)

Funded through SNF SINERGIA Project ‘Understanding nanofriction and dissipation across phase transitions’, we open in SISSA a postdoctoral position (‘assegno di ricerca’) in the area centered around nanoscale tribology (friction, dissipation, adhesion, wear) involving modeling, theory, and molecular dynamics computer simulations of nanofrictional and nonlinear dissipation phenomena, especially in presence of continuous phase transitions.

The ideal candidate has a master degree in physics or equivalent with a good theory background, deep understanding and strong motivation in Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Theory of Frictional Sliding in Nanosystems; prior understanding of nanofriction is not a prerequisite but curiosity in this direction will be appreciated. A doctoral degree is welcome (!) but not compulsory.
The Trieste group leader is Erio Tosatti, http://sites.google.com/site/tosattierio/, and other permanent collaborators include A. Vanossi, http://people.sissa.it/~vanossi/, and G.E. Santoro, http://www.sissa.it/cm/?page_id=268. The project will involve interactions with strong experimental and theory groups in Switzerland with frequent contacts and exchanges.
SISSA is part of the wider Trieste scientific campus, which includes the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the University of Trieste, the Synchrotron Facility Elettra and Free Electron Laser Fermi, the CNR-IOM Experimental TASC Laboratory, and the CNR-IOM Democritos National Simulation Center— the latter on SISSA’s premises. All activities of SISSA are conducted in English, no knowledge of Italian is required. SISSA offers help with children, with a subsidized kindergarten and other facilities within its premises. Trieste is situated in a beautiful geographic location. Renting a furnished apartment in Trieste costs typically less than 500 Euros.

Appointments will be for two years, renewable. Take home salary will be around 2,100 Euro/month. Interested candidates should send a CV with a list of publications, and arrange at least two reference letters to A. Vanossi, vanossi@sissa.it.

IMPORTANT: Formal applications to the Director of SISSA are requested. Please send your application (cover letter + CV with list of publications) to the Director of SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136 Trieste, Italy by registered mail, or by fax (together with a copy of valid ID card) at +390403787240 within May 22nd, 2012, 1:00 p.m. See http://www.sissa.it/main/?p=A3_B4&id=1175, and in particular the following announcement  for details on how to apply, or send an email to vanossi@sissa.it if you need help.