University of Tartu

The University of Tartu, established in 1632, is Estonia's largest and most prestigious university. It is recognized among the top 350 universities globally, including being ranked 358th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and within the top 250 in the THE World University Rankings 2025. With four faculties—Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Science and Technology—UT offers diverse academic programs, including over 30 bachelor's and master's programs and 9 doctoral programs in English. The university has a global reputation for research excellence, ranking in the top 1% in fields such as Chemistry, Engineering, Environment/Ecology, and more.

We are looking for a PhD student (doctoral candidate) in the field of computational material science who is interested in completing a PhD at the Institute of Technology of the University of Tartu! 

The PhD project will focus on development on multi-scale and multi-physics models together with machine learing methods for researching the materials for future particle accelerators, electron microscopy, medical devices, high power energy applications and more. 

MATTER Lab is a Research group at the University of Tartu (UT), Institute of Technology established by H2020 ERA Chair actions between 2020-2025. MATTER combines three challenging fields of computer simulations, nano-manipulation, and biomedical engineering. MATTER builds on the well-equipped core facilities of UT and establishes synergies with the most influential research infrastructure in Estonia and neighbouring countries for delivering high-level research and innovation.

MATTER Lab focuses on nanoscale material behaviour in complex environments and upscaling of control of nanomaterial for interdisciplinary and widespread use. We enable breakthrough research in areas such as high electric field applications, surface science, materials under high electric fields biomedical applications (nanomedicine, drug delivery, regenerative medicine), renewable energy sources, etc. Our core focus are CERN particle accelerator materials, with active collaborations since 2013. 

Requirements

MSc in physics, chemistry, materials science, or similar. Good understanding and experience in computational physics, especially experience in ab initio (DFT (Density Functional Theory)) and molecular dynamics (force field) simulations gives advantage. During the PhD project, expect to gain experience with following:

• Density Functional Theory
• Molecular Dynamics (Force Field) simulations
• Machine Learning methods
• Scientific software development (C/C++, Python)
• Finite Element Method calculations
• Electromagnetism

Tasks

Development of novel simulation methods and application of machine learning in atomistic simulations to study metal surfaces under high electric fields.

Required qualifications

MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or in a similar field or an equivalent qualification.

Required language skills

Excellent English.

Starting: earliest from 01.03.2026

Workload: 1,00.

Salary: Competitive and motivating salary based on previous experience.

Application documents and notification of results

To be considered for the position, the candidate must submit the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae in an established academic format, including list of publications if applicable
• A copy of a document (including its annexes) showing that the candidate holds the required qualification (authorized translation into Estonian, English or Russian if the credential is not in one of these languages). A candidate may be required to submit the original or a certified copy of the original document (including its annexes) during the evaluation process. If the candidate has acquired the higher education in question abroad, he or she may be required to submit an assessment issued by the Academic Recognition Information Centre (Estonian ENIC/NARIC) of his or her qualification in respect of the qualification requirements for the position
• Other materials considered relevant by the candidate (a list of such materials must be included in the application or annexed to it)

Notification of the results: Successful candidates will invited to follow up interviews with the notification of the results at 01.03.2026 at latest.

More in Euraxess: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/397642

To Apply: [email protected]