Postdoctoral Research Associate - Theory of Quantum Materials

Requisition Id 10225 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will conduct fundamental research in the theory of quantum materials with emphasis on connections to quantum information science.  Research will focus on topological phases of quantum magnets and related materials and will aim to develop an experimentally viable roadmap toward harnessing such topological materials for fault-tolerant quantum computing applications.

This position resides in the Materials Theory Group within the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) of the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and is supported by the Department of Energy Quantum Science Center, a National Quantum Information Science Research Center.  Postdoctoral researchers associated with the Quantum Science Center will engage with a network of universities, national laboratories, and industry to overcome key roadblocks in the scalability of quantum technologies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform analytical and/or numerical computations to understand key properties of topological quantum materials and their connections to experimental observables
• Contribute to the development of new practical schemes for stabilizing, detecting, and manipulating novel quasiparticles in topological materials with quantum computing applications in mind
• Actively collaborate with experimental researchers in the Quantum Science Center
• Present and report key research results and publish them in peer-review journals in a timely manner

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in condensed matter theory, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience with analytical and/or numerical approaches to studying minimal models (e.g., lattice Hamiltonians or quantum field theories) of condensed matter systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Scientifically curious, self-motivated mindset, and ability to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment
• Experience with topological phases of matter and/or quantum magnetism
• Ability to work on multiple tasks in a limited amount of time and independently set priorities to accomplish these tasks to meet deadlines
• 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

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position. 

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov 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

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

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.