Postdoctoral Research Associate – Theory of Strongly Correlated Topological Quantum Materials

Requisition Id 13821 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the development and/or application of quantum monte carlo (QMC) as well as other correlated electronics structure methods such as, GW and dynamical mean field theory (DMFT), as well as density functional theory, for strongly correlated topological quantum materials at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The applicant will work closely with scientists both at ORNL and institutions primarily associated with the Center for Predictive Simulation of Functional Materials (CPSFM, https://cpsfm.ornl.gov), which aims to develop and apply scalable quantum monte carlo (QMC) methods to problems in condensed matter theory using their flagship open-source QMCPACK code (www.qmcpack.org) and QMC methods. This position resides in the Nanomaterials Theory Institute Group with Dr. P. Ganesh in the Theory & Computation Section, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL.  

The research you will conduct will focus on advancing our understanding of emergent properties in strongly correlated materials, specifically those with topologically protected quantum states, with the goal of revealing the complex interplay of spin, orbit, lattice symmetries and electron-electron correlations. These methods will, for example, enable us to predict with high accuracy properties of new quantum materials with potential applications in dissipationless nano-transport and topological quantum computation.  We are also interested in developing databases of material properties using accurate electronic structure methods using automated workflows as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence-based approaches that can inform and improve lower-fidelity methods based on these datasets. Independent and motivated candidates capable of generating novel ideas, planning and executing appropriate theoretical calculations, and extracting meaningful results through innovative analysis methods, working closely with experimental groups pursuing thin-film synthesis and nanoscale characterization, are encouraged to apply. A successful candidate should have a strong demonstrated background in both electronic structure methods and condensed matter theory/material science/physics/chemistry.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research to apply and/or develop correlated electronic-structure methods for strongly correlated 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 to correlated solids
• Strong publication list using modern electronic structure methods

Preferred Qualifications:

• Good grasp of concepts in solid-state physics, topological condensed matter theory and/or quantum chemistry
• Familiarity with correlated electronic structure methods, particularly QMC and/or GW and/or DMFT
• Strong demonstrated background use of in Python for data analysis and automation, with knowledge or keen interest to meaningfully incorporate advanced AI/ML methods into their 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 both independently and in collaborative teams
• 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 PostdocRecruitment@Ornl.gov to 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: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov 

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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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.