Maristella Alessio

Maristella Alessio is recruiting 3 PhD students for the Department of Quantum Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) as part of her ERC Starting Grant project SPINOCCHIO : “A new quantum chemical approach to spins on surfaces.” The project sits at the intersection of physical chemistry , theoretical chemistry , physics , and materials science , with a strong focus on electronic structure , magnetism , spins on surfaces , quantum information science , spin–phonon coupling , and optical addressability . The research aims to understand and design magnetically stable and optically addressable spins on surfaces, helping advance future molecular quantum technologies. Depending on fit, successful candidates may work on one or more subprojects: the effect of the environment on magnetic behavior, spin–phonon couplings and magnetic relaxation, new optical cycles for individual spins, or cost-effective treatments of magnetic exchange interactions in surface spin lattices. Eligibility highlights include an MSc in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field . Helpful experience includes condensed matter theory, electronic structure methods, many-body physics, molecular simulations, magnetism, open-shell systems, computational methods, and scientific programming. Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills are expected. To apply, send a cover letter (max 1 page), CV with 1–2 referee contacts, and a link to your Master’s thesis plus a 1–2 page summary of your research to maristella.alessio@kuleuven.be . The post says the official TU Delft listing will appear soon and the online application will open there as well. Deadline: open until filled. Start date: negotiable, with preference for 1 October 2026 for the first subproject and up to 6 months later for the others.