Applications are invited for the post of research assistant in the field of theoretical catalysis. The candidate will be a member of the research group of Dr. Naiwrit Karmodak, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi NCR. The research group works on understanding the activity of 2D material interfaces and bulk-interfaces in electrocatalysis. This includes development of an understanding of the properties of electrified interfaces, and their efficiency for sustainable energy generation technologies and chemical conversion methods.
The interested candidates are requested to send their application to Dr. Naiwrit Karmodak (naiwrit.karmodak@snu.edu.in) on or before 15th April 2023. The application should contain a complete CV (having personal and academic details, academic qualifications, research experiences, publications, name, affiliation, and email address of at least two referees). The scanned copies of marksheets/transcripts/testimonials/ certificates, a recent passport-size photograph, and other relevant documents are also requested to attach. Short-listed candidates will be communicated for an online interview.
1. Project Synopsis
The research project focuses on the application of density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify effective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reactions. Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) is one of the promising approaches for the sustainable production of carbon-based fuels and chemicals. CO2 is electrochemically reduced to organic products containing one or more carbon atoms (C1 or C2 products). So far the expensive noble metal surfaces has been known to be the most efficient catalysts. In this project, computational screening of two-dimensional materials will be performed based upon the stability and electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction reactions under an applied potential and pH.
2. Nature of work
In this project, computational screening of two-dimensional materials will be performed using the density functional theory calculations. Different environment effects, which can play a crucial role in the catalytic efficiency and electrochemical stability of the materials, will be benchmarked along the screening process. The potential dependent grand-canonical potential simulation under an applied potential and solvent pH, are to be performed to analyse the catalytic activity and electrochemical stability of the catalysts within the reaction conditions.
3. Essential and Desirable Qualifications
- The candidate should have a Master’s degree (with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade) in Chemistry or physics from a UGC-recognized University or Institution.
- The candidate should have good analytical and communication skills.
- Practical knowledge of density-functional theory calculations.
- Basic understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics.
- Experience in computer programming, preferably in Python will be given preferences, but not mandatory.
- Candidates with and without CSIR/UGC-NET/JEST/GATE are encouraged to apply.
4. Duration of the Project
Initially, six months (purely temporary), which can be extended further up to one year based on satisfactory performance. During the project, the candidate will have a chance to apply to the Ph.D. program at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence.
5. Stipend
The stipend is ₹20,000/- p.m.
6. Application deadline: 15th April 2023.
About Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (SNIoE)
Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (www.snu.edu.in) is a student-centric, multidisciplinary and research-focused University offering a wide range of academic programs at the Undergraduate, Master's and Doctoral levels. The University was set up in 2011 by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, a philanthropic foundation established by Mr. Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL. The University is in the quest to become a globally acclaimed center for learning and innovation in the fields of Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Management. The core of the University consists of a select, world-class faculty with doctoral and postdoctoral experiences from ranked universities worldwide.
Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence has recently been selected as one of the ten private Institutions of Eminence by the Government. In the NIRF (Government’s National Institutional Ranking Framework), the University has been the youngest institution in the 'top 100' Overall list. In NIRF-2022, it ranked 61 in the 'University' category. Shiv Nadar University has been accredited with a Grade ‘A’ by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), valid for five years from 26 November 2019. It is also among a select group of greenfield institutions in the country that was awarded the prestigious Atal Incubation Center grant by the NITI Aayog, Government of India, in the very first round in 2017.
The Department of Chemistry is committed to pursuing research on fundamental and applied problems through an interdisciplinary research approach. The Department of Chemistry has state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and instrumental facilities for organic and material characterization and application. The department has been ranked among the Top 25 in India in the Nature Index.