Research Assistant - Computational simulation of solid-state hyperfluorescence (Open)

The project aims to computationally characterize hyperfluorescence in molecular solids, a photophysical process in which reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) enables the recycling of triplet (dark) excitons into the singlet excited-state manifold, followed by energy transfer to a fluorescent emitter. The study will focus on a multicomponent molecular solid comprising: (i) a chromophore capable of efficient rISC, (ii) a fluorescent emitter, and (iii) a molecular host.

The project will begin with the selection of suitable molecular candidates based on their electronic and photophysical properties. Subsequently, tailored force-field parameters will be developed, and the solid-state morphology will be generated through molecular dynamics simulations. On these structures, excited-state energies and relevant interstate couplings governing rISC and energy-transfer processes will be computed. These parameters will then be used to simulate exciton dynamics under varying conditions, including temperature, energetic and coupling models, thermal disorder, and compositional effects of the solid. The project is expected to culminate in a comprehensive computational description of hyperfluorescence in molecular solids and the dissemination of the main findings in a peer-reviewed research article.

The candidate should have a solid basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, and demonstrated experience in the computation of the electronic structure of molecular systems. A strong background in excited-state electronic structure methods and in the theoretical characterization of molecular photophysical processes will be highly valued.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/04/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The student will be supervised by Profs. Jon Mattin Matxain and David Casanova, who are members of the Kimika Teorikoa research group (https://www.ehu.eus/chemistry/theory) and Molecular Electronic Structure group (https://molecular-electronic-structure-group.github.io). Both groups are actively engaged in the development and application of advanced electronic structure methods for chemical and physical systems. Their complementary expertise and extensive experience ensure an excellent research environment and the successful execution of the proposed project.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/02
• Application deadline: 2026/02/05
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.