"Research Fellow in Mixed Quantum-Classical Dynamics"

The Role

Applications are invited for the post of Research Fellow in the area of Mixed Quantum-Classical Dynamics based at the University of Surrey. The post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and is part of an international multidisciplinary research project entitled “Solute motion in complex fluids: mathematics and solvation dynamics”.

The programme team intend to advance our current understanding of the dynamical interaction between classical fluid solvents and the quantum solute molecules in solvation processes.

This general goal will be approached by tools in both computational chemistry and applied mathematics. Specifically, the project involves the development of mathematical modeling strategies at both numerical and analytical level to elucidate:

1. The hydrodynamic response of fluid solvents to the quantum solute motion.
2. The role of the electric fluid polarization in solute-solvent interaction.
3. The effects of the inner molecular structure of the solute.

These objectives are organized in a series of complementary and interconnected efforts led by different academics: Irene Burghardt (Goethe University in Frankfurt), François Gay-Balmaz (NTU in Singapore), Raymond Kapral (University of Toronto), and Cesare Tronci (University of Surrey, UK). The successful candidate will undertake research in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with world-leading collaborations.

This Research Fellow will be working under the direction of Prof Cesare Tronci on the mathematical modelling of quantum-classical hydrodynamics. The interaction of classical and quantum degrees of freedom has attracted much attention in a variety of different fields, including quantum chemistry and solid-state physics. Within this context, the mathematics of Koopman wavefunctions in classical mechanics is leading to new mathematical models of quantum-classical solvation hydrodynamics. Different levels of scientific capabilities will be engaged in this study: on the one hand, the Fellow will investigate the mathematical aspects of quantum-classical hydrodynamics in both reversible and irreversible regimes, on the other hand, they will perform numerical simulations to study decoherence dynamics and other effects of quantum-classical correlations in complex fluid solvents. The methodology will be largely based on Lie group methods and structure-preserving algorithms in geometric mechanics.

Benefiting from the interdisciplinary collaboration with the project partners, the candidate will be;

• A creative, highly motivated, and team-oriented researcher
• With excellent mathematical and numerical skills
• A high-quality PhD in Applied Mathematics or Theoretical Chemistry/Physics with a solid knowledge of Quantum Mechanics.

This position is up to 27 February 2027, starting as soon as possible. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof Cesare Tronci via email at c.tronci@surrey.ac.uk.

How to Apply

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter providing evidence of how you meet the essential criteria which you can review in the attached job description addendum, on the university website.

Further details

Job Description