Project DescriptionIn this project you will investigate the properties of ultrathin films of a variety of ferroelectric materials of interest to the microelectronic industry and find strategies to control the magnitude and direction of the ferroelectric polarization. You will use both density functional theory to study the fundamental properties of the films, and molecular dynamics using machine learned potentials to investigate larger scale phenomena such as domain behaviour.The project is based at King’s College London’s Theory and Simulation of Condensed Matter (TSCM) physics group (based in central London), in the CAtSS (Computational Atomistic Surface Science) research groups led by Dr. Chiara Gattinoni. Candidates should have a keen interest in computational materials science, and especially in materials for microelectronic devices. Experience of scientific programming is required, as well as being keen to work in a team.Applicants are expected to have a masters-level degree, or are awaiting its award, in a relevant area (Theoretical/Computational Physics or Chemistry). Both UK (home) and overseas students will be considered, with international student fees covered by the funding. For more details on the project feel free to contact Dr. Chiara Gattinoni ([email protected]), with a brief CV. The selection process will start now and end once the position is filled. Start date: October 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.Application ProcedureTo be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available at:https://www.kcl.ac.uk/physics/postgraduate/research-degreesPlease indicate your desired supervisor and quote research group Gattinoni in your application and all correspondence.The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents, if selected this will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due time.https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply