Summer Research Interns, Initiative for Computational Catalysis

Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Flatiron Institute is a research unit established by the Simons foundation to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, modeling and simulation. The Initiative for Computational Catalysis (ICC) was launched in July 2024 and is dedicated to the development and application of computational techniques enabling accurate, atomistic simpulation of catalytic reactions, culminating in the rational design of more efficient and affordable catalysts. In addition to ICC, the Flatiron Institute hosts the Centers for Computational Astrophysics, Computational Biology, Computational Mathematics, Computational Quantum Physics, and Computational Neuroscience, and a common scientific computing core.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Initiative for Computational Catalysis (ICC) seeks seasonal, full-time paid research interns interested in developing and implementing the concepts, algorithms and codes needed to obtain insight into the microscopic processes of catalytic reactions, and ultimately to predict materials with targeted catalytic properties. Research projects are available in areas of electronic structure, molecular dynamics, and machine learning. For more information about ICC research, please visit the ICC website.

Under the mentorship of one or more ICC scientists during the summer, Research Assistants/Associates will contribute to ICC research by joining an ongoing research project.

Internship positions are intended for beginning graduate students or advanced undergraduates. Undergraduate students will be appointed with the title of Summer Research Assistant, while graduate students will be appointed with the title Summer Research Associate. Graduate students already embarked on a thesis project should consider applying to a Flatiron predoc program instead.

The internship will take place in-person at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City.  Applicable travel assistance to New York City and a supported temporary housing option while in New York City may be available.

For more information, please visit the Summer at Simons page.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting to a designated ICC staff scientist, the research intern will apply skills of analytical calculation, algorithm development and implementation, testing and running computer codes, and data analysis to topics of relevance to ICC’s mission.

• Other responsibilities including reporting on research, writing documentation, and performing other ICC mission-related tasks or duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Candidates will normally have completed an undergraduate degree and be enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, although in exceptional cases advanced undergraduate students may be considered.

Experience

• Experience with condensed matter physics, quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, and large-scale computations strongly preferred.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• The successful applicant should have experience with programming in one or more of the following: Matlab, Python, Julia, Fortran or C/C under Windows, OS-X or Linux operating systems.

Period of Internship:

Summer 2025: May 27 – August 8

Application Instructions

Deadline to Apply: 

January 17, 2025

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae

• Transcript indicating completed courses

• Cover letter or research statement mentioning your areas of interest related to ICC’s range of activities.

• Names and contact information for two scientists who can be contacted for references.

COMPENSATION

• Interns at the Research Assistant (undergraduate) level will earn $20/hour

• Interns at the Research Associate (graduate) level will earn $25/hour

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SIMONS FOUNDATION’S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.