PhD Positions at Texas Tech University

Two PhD positions are available in the research group of Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas Tech University with a start date of Fall 2022. The PhD positions are in the areas of solid-state batteries and hybrid semiconductors for photovoltaics and optoelectronics with a focus on interfacial characterization and control of properties.

Problems of interest include:

• Understanding and circumventing fundamental limitations in Li metal solid-state batteries. The project will include simulations of solid-solid interfaces using first- principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations and the development of continuum models for understanding coupling to external parameters such as pressure and temperature. The simulations will be complemented by battery cycling experiments and imaging.
• Hybrid semiconductors for photovoltaics, optoelectronics, and quantum engineering. The project will advance our understanding of the unique structural, electronic, and optical properties of these materials using first-principles simulations. The research will be in close collaboration with experimental colleagues.
• Development of machine learning techniques for accelerating quantum many-body simulations/beyond DFT approaches and high throughput design of materials and interfaces. The major focus will be on methods for solving challenges in energy sustainability.

More information about research and publications can be found at https://ahzeeshan.github.io/.

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Strong analytical skills
• Knowledge of thermodynamics and strong programming skills in one or more of Python, C++, MATLAB, Fortran, Julia
• Interest in materials and methods for energy sustainability and decarbonization.

How to apply for the PhD Positions at Texas Tech University

Interested candidates should apply to the PhD program in Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University using this link: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/howtoapply.php and email Dr. Ahmad at [email protected] with
CV and areas of interest.

Applications will be reviewed immediately upon receipt.
Applications from underrepresented minorities are encouraged. Texas Tech is classified as an R1 research institution (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

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