Career in computational chemistry
Computing is the future of chemistry. Individuals with expertise in scientific computing and underlying chemistry, physics, and mathematics knowledge as well as algorithm and software development skills are desired in increasingly many areas of intellectual and economic activities. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has unmatched research and education resources and reputation at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and computing.
Chemistry at Illinois
The graduate school of chemistry is ranked 6th in the latest (2010) US News & World Report, 4th according to www.phds.org (the larger chemistry program category) which is based on the latest (2010) National Research Council data, and 1st in chemical R&D spending according to the latest (2008) National Science Foundation data. The university as a whole is the 3rd preferred school of large private and public employers according to a recent Wall Street Journal survey.
Postdoctoral researchers
Several postdoctoral positions are available in our group to perform research on (i) electronic many-body methods for molecules and solids, (ii) vibrational many-body methods for molecules and solids, and (iii) adaptive parallel software development in quantum chemistry. To apply, please send a CV, a publication list, and a list of references by email to sohirata@illinois.edu.
While independent from our group, a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship is offered through the Beckman Institute. The applicant is encouraged to consider this also.
As many as eight former postdoctoral researchers of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign received a Nobel Prize.
Graduate students
Each year, one or more research assistant positions are available in our group for graduate students who pursue Ph.D. degrees in theoretical/computational chemistry or chemical physics. To apply, please consult with the departmental website. Overseas as well as US candidates are encouraged to apply. Graduate students in good standing are guaranteed financial support in the form of a tuition waiver and a stipend sufficient to cover living expenses so that they can concentrate on research and occasional teaching.
The US applicant may consider the following prestigious doctoral fellowships:
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
- Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
- Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Fellowship
- National Defense Science & Engineering Fellowship
- The Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
The Department of Chemistry also offers generous Springborn Graduate Fellowships.
As many as six former graduate students of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign received a Nobel Prize.
Champaign-Urbana community
Visit a campus video tour and a YouTube video on the Champaign-Urbana community.