Postdoctoral Researcher; m,f,x in Machine Learning Potentials, Theoretical Chemistry II, Resea

Postdoctoral Researcher (m, f, x) in Machine Learning Potentials, Theoretical Chemistry II, Research Alliance Ruhr

Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry:
Chair of Theoretical Chemistry Machine Learning Potentials. In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date we are looking for a research scientist.

• Scope: full-time

• Duration: fixed-term, 3 years

• Start: at the earliest possible date

• Apply by:

• development and parameterization of machine learning interatomic potentials
• implementation of new algorithms in scientific software packages
• generation of training data using electronic structure calculations, atomistic simulations
• presentation of scientific results at conferences and in journal publications
• participation in national and international collaborative projects of the group

• you hold a PhD or doctoral degree in chemistry, physics, materials science or a related field
• you have programming experience (e.g. Python, Fortran) and are highly motivated to contribute to the development of new methods and scientific software
• you have a solid background in electronic structure calculations, e.g. density functional theory
• ideally, you have experience in atomistic simulation methods like molecular dynamics
• you have very good English skills (spoken and written);
  German language skills are desirable but not mandatory

• employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
• challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
• an exciting interdisciplinary and international working environment with state-of-the-art equipment
• collaborations in a highly motivated and supportive team
• training and development opportunities
• the opportunity to present your work at international conferences

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV‑L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV‑L. Further information can be found at  (in German). The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third‑party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

As application documents please provide a motivation letter, a CV including a list of publications, copies of transcripts and certificates, and contact data of two academic references. Contact person for further information:
Prof. Dr. Jörg Behler. RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF) –  The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews.

At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact

Prof. Dr. Jörg Behler, Tel.: +49 234 32 19780
Lisa Marie Stein, Tel.: +49 234 32 19781

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews cannot be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by . Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5444.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates.

Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.