Postdoctoral Fellow in Advanced Energy Materials

The School of Electronic Engineering (MIEM, HSE University) in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of Advanced Energy Materials.

Advanced Energy Materials for Solar Energy Conversion

The nature of solar energy conversion processes will be theoretically investigated to guide the development of novel functional materials. Quantum dynamics simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) or self-consistent-charge density-functional tight-binding theory (SCC-DFTB) will be employed to elucidate fundamental mechanisms such as light absorption, charge transfer, charge recombination, and multi-excitonic hot carrier relaxation, which are critical for conversion efficiency. Data analysis techniques, including machine learning, will be applied to uncover structure-performance relationships and to accelerate the dynamics simulations. This study is expected to advance the understanding of photoexcited phenomena, reveal underlying photophysics, and contribute to the design of advanced materials for solar cell, photocatalytic, and photoelectrochemical applications.

Requirements

The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following:

• Candidates must hold a recent PhD in the field of Quantum chemistry, Energy Science and Engineering, Condensed matter physics or related areas which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals;
• Candidates should have a strong background in density functional theory (DFT) simulations using VASP and Quantum Espresso codes or self-consistent-charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) theory using DFTB+ software and the ability to work in a team;
  
• Fluent English is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required;
  
• Relevant experience in nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) and machine learning methods will be an asset although not required.

The position involves:

• working under the direct supervision of Prof. Andrey Vasenko;
• participants are encouraged to pursue their own research along with working on School of Electronic Engineering research projects such as:

o  Photoinduced dynamics in novel nanoscale systems;
o  Chemical interactions in charge and energy transfer at nanoscale interfaces.

• writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with Prof. Andrey Vasenko and other members of the School of Electronic Engineering (MIEM, HSE University);
• participation in the events of the School of Electronic Engineering and other contribution to the School of Electronic Engineering development;
• public presentations of candidate’s own research to the academic community;
• some teaching is encouraged, though not required.

Conditions

Appointments are made for one year. Postdoctoral fellows have high opportunity of renewal of the contract (no more than two times) in case of outstanding performance.

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan; a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University.

The School of Electronic Engineering offers access to HSE University cHARISMa supercomputer that operates at a peak computing rate of 2 petaFLOPS.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via the online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring department may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

The deadline for the applications is January 31, 2026

Apply now

For more information:

• about Postdoctoral Fellowship -Frequently Asked Questions
  
• about HSE university –official web-site
  
• about the School of Electronic Engineering – official web-site of the School or contact Prof. Andrey Vasenko at avasenko@hse.ru directly
• about international specialists' life in Moscow -International Faculty Support page

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru