The Khalizov Research Group

Postdoc Position: DEM Modeling of Soot Aggregates

About the position:

We are seeking applicants with expertise in Discrete Element Method (DEM) for a postdoctoral position. The initial appointment is for 1 year, with potential extension for up to two years. The candidate will be working on a collaborative project led by Prof. Alexei Khalizov and Prof. Gennady Gor to develop a multiscale model for condensation-induced restructuring of atmospheric soot particles. In the project, a DEM model for soot restructuring driven by stresses from condensate will be developed, parameterized using molecular simulations and lab experiments, and then integrated with our condensation model into a unified condensation-evaporation-restructuring framework. Relevant information related to the project can be found in the following articles: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b04201 and https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2020.1846677

Required Qualifications:

• Strong motivation to pursue interdisciplinary theoretical and computational research in close collaboration with experimentalists
• Ph.D. in chemical/mechanical/civil engineering, applied physics, materials science, etc.
• Hands-on experience with DEM simulations (a must!)
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Strong programming/data processing skills (Python, Matlab, etc.)

How to apply: Applications should include the following:

• Short cover letter
• Curriculum vitae, including contact information for three references
• Three selected publications

Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Alexei Khalizov khalizov@njit.edu with 'Postdoc application' in the subject. Please send it as a single PDF file. Review will begin immediately.

Ph.D. positions

Our group studies the chemical and physical processes occuring in the Earth atmosphere: (1) We are interested in deciphering the chemical cycle of atmospheric mercury and we develop sensitive methods for detection of oxidized mercury species at ultra-trace levels; (2) we study processing and impacts of atmospheric soot aerosols. Recently, we started looking into the effect of nanoconfinement on the properties of fluids (in collaboration with Prof. Gennady Gor). Although our research is primarily experimental, we use modeling calculations very extensively both to plan our future experiments and to interpret our measurements. Our experimental methods include mass spectrometry, fast flow reactors, various types of aerosol instrumentation, ultrasonics, and vapor adsorption. We built most of the instruments we are using and we write our own codes (mostly in LabVIEW) for instrument control and data acquisition. Our computational approaches range from quantum chemistry (density functional theory and correlated ab initio) to single-particle optics (Multi-Sphere T-Matrix and Discrete Dipole Approximation) and ion optics (SIMION). We develop our own codes, such as various aerosol growth models using MATLAB and Python.

We welcome highly motivated students who are interested in pursuing experimental research in atmospheric chemistry and aerosol science. A combination of experimental and computaitonal research on confinement of fluids in porous materials is also an option (co-advised by Prof. Gor). Students with background in chemistry and chemical engineering are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates with background in environmental science are encouraged to apply only if they have a solid foundation of chemistry, physics, and math.

Initial applications should include the following:
(1) Short cover letter
(2) Curriculum vitae
(3) Academic transcript
(4) Publications (if any)

Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Alexei Khalizov (khalizov@njit.edu) as PDF files with "PhD application" in the subject. At the next stage, GRE and TOEFL may be required. Selected candidates will be required to complete a formal NJIT application as described at the admissions website.

About the university: NJIT is one of the US leading public research universities, with 140 years of history. It is located in the vibrant University Heights district of downtown Newark, NJ, just 20 minutes from Manhattan, NY by train.

Undergraduate Students

We are always looking for strong candidates to join the group. The list of the possible projects is given on the research page. Interested candidates should email to Dr. Alexei Khalizov (khalizov@njit.edu) with a short cover letter and a CV. The group has hosted undergraduate students from a variety of majors, including chemistry, chemical engineering, math, physics, mechanical engineering, environmental science, and even architecture. The projects could be experimental, computational, or a combination of both. A strong foundation in one of the abovementioned disciplines or an ability to build/fix things is a highly desired of the applciant. Programming experience is a plus.

High-School Students

Each summer the Khalizov group hosts high-school research interns students. Dr. Khalizov has participated as a mentor in NJIT Provost High School Intern Program and ACS SEED program. For details, please contact the coordinators of these programs for more information. You can also apply directly to Dr. Khalizov (khalizov@njit.edu). Initial applications should include a short cover letter and a curriculum vitae.