So some of you may be aware now that I have now got a job at the Ruhr University Bochum. The interview was just a formality, as I expected, and I was offered the job on Thursday, with no competition.
Thursday morning involved me presenting my work from Manchester and Warwick. This went well, after a few technically issues with getting the presentation to work. It was a good presentation, plenty of questions, and I think I taught them something.
Following the presentation and lunch I had some time to talk to the research group and look at their own work, which I already knew like the back of my hand. This as it turned out was my main selling point. I already knew the Behler groups work as I had done all the same sorts of things during my PhD (neural networks and simulations of condensed phase systems i.e. water, solids, catalystic materials). Jorg explain that primarily I would be doing this, but also learnign for the group the details of Density Fuctional Theory simulation programs. This is something I am very keen to learn for my own future career as I become well rounded in my own skills so that I can set up my own future research group.
Following all this Jorg asked me if I would accept the position if I was offered it. I of course said yes. He then formally offered the position.
So in December myself and Sam will be moving to Bochum. It will be quite a bit of a pay rise, and also the chance to live in Europe and experience the academic system there. Also Sam will be covered on my health care there, and well Bochum seems like quite a friendly and clean place. There is of course a lot to organise now, a lot to get rid of, and a lot to sell on and pack.
Of course we will have issues with learning the language, something that I have not learnt since GCSEs. But we will be getting lessons from the uni, for both myself and Sam which is great.
Getting back from Bochum was easy, save for me getting the wrong train on the way back from Birmingham, and had to get off at Waatford Junction and head all the way back to Coventry.
So that is all. I am really excited about moving and living in Germany for 3 years and having the chance to travel around Europe. Also I get to go back to doing work that I am really experienced in and excited about puching onto the next level.
Posted via email from Doctor Ether's posterous at http://doctorether.posterous.com
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