Postdoctoral Research Associate – Theory, Modeling and Simulation of Quantum Materials

Requisition Id 13790 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the development and/or application of density functional theory (DFT) as well as correlated electronics structure methods such as quantum Monte Carlo (QMC), GW/BSE, dynamical mean field theory (DMFT), among others, for strongly correlated topological quantum materials. The position resides in the Nanomaterials Theory Institute (NTI) at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences Division (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and will be associated with the Heterogeneities in Quantum Materials (HQM) theme science research at the CNMS.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will contribute to research by bridging state-of-the-art atomistic simulation methods with nanoscale experiments and domain-informed AI/ML algorithms. In addition to fundamental science discovery, the research will pursue the development of automated computational workflows for multi-fidelity modeling and simulation as well as development of ML-approaches that allow efficient integration of different theory and simulation tools with automated experimental platforms. You will work closely with a team of scientists at CNMS who are experts in developing/applying different theoretical approaches as well as developing novel ML-approaches for automation of nanoscale experimental probes, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)..

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research to apply and/or develop advanced electronic-structure methods for understanding and discovery of novel quantum materials
• Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Present results at international scientific conferences and meetings when needed

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• Strong background and hands-on experience in applying and/or developing electronic structure methods for solids
• Strong publication list using electronic structure methods

Preferred Qualifications:

• Good grasp of concepts in solid-state physics, superconductivity, topological condensed matter theory and/or quantum chemistry
• Familiarity with correlated electronic structure methods, particularly QMC, GW, DMFT or BdG
• Strong demonstrated background in coding for data analysis using Python or MATLAB, with knowledge to meaningfully incorporate advanced AI/ML methods into research 
• An excellent record of productive and creative research shown by a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected]

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.