The research will be conducted within the European Research Council CHIRAX project (https://chirax.elettra.eu/). The successful candidate will perform electronic structure calculations to predict chiral signals from X-ray absorption and chiral (circular and helical dichroism) spectroscopies, as well as nonlinear optical/X-ray methods of molecules in solution using ab initio quantum chemistry packages. Such chiral signals often involve multipoles of higher orders than the usual transition electric dipoles and their accurate computation is indispensable. The successful candidate is expected to foster ongoing collaborations of the CHIRAX team with theoreticians and develop new ones. Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste possesses computational facilities, but access to larger external facilities is also foreseen. Specifically, the successful candidate is expected to apply for computation time at national and international computational facilities such as the University of Trieste, CINECA and the Molecular Foundry. Analysis of results, writing-up of reports and papers, presentation at conferences and workshops is expected.
Qualifications:
A PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry or related discipline with specific expertise in quantum chemistry, theoretical spectroscopy and theory of non-linear phenomena is required. The candidate should have earned his/her PhD no more than 6 years ago.
Applications will be considered also from candidates who have completed their doctoral research, but for whom the defense is scheduled to take place. The following qualifications will be considered as positive assets: Experience in the theory of X-ray spectra and/or molecular systems Experience in simulations of XFEL and/or synchrotron results
The successful candidates should possess strong personal skills favouring collaborative research programs in a team-oriented environment. Time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with the facility staff and international users at all levels and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Link for applications:
https://www.elettra.trieste.it/it/about/careers/working-withus.html?id=4312
Deadline for applications: November 15, 2026
Contact:
Professor Majed CHERGUI
Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Italy and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, ISIC-LACUS, Switzerland
Majed.chergui@elettra.eu; Majed.chergui@epfl.ch
https://chirax.elettra.eu/
