Date: Aug 26, 2023
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37909
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 11063
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 theoretical investigations to predict and understand the properties of novel spin liquid and topological superconducting systems. This position resides in the Materials Theory Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Science Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of our research team, you will engage in theoretical investigations on quantum spin liquid (QSL) systems and topological superconducting (TSC) systems. Our main goals are 1. Identifying the design principles to realize Kitaev spin liquids by materials modifications and 2. Identifying the role of the superconducting proximity effect and the topological proximity effect in hybrid TSCs to realize Majorana zero modes. These theoretical works will be conducted with close interactions with other theoretical and experimental efforts within the Quantum Science Center (QSC). Preferred experience includes density functional theory calculations and analyses using Wannier functions, developing and analyzing model Hamiltonians, and numerical calculations such as exact diagonalization and density matrix renormalization group methods.
This position is supported by the Department of Energy Quantum Science Center, a National Quantum Information Science Research Center. Postdoctoral research associates appointed to the Quantum Science Center will engage with a network of universities, national laboratories, and industry to overcome key roadblocks in quantum state resilience, controllability, and ultimately the scalability of quantum technologies to realize the quantum future.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Investigation of electronic structure of candidate materials
- Developing effective models
- Analyses of the effective models using analytical or numerical techniques
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics, materials science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in theoretical study of novel electronic systems and quantum materials
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in theoretical techniques such as mean field approximations calculations using model Hamiltonians and numerical methods including Lanczos exact diagonalization and density matrix renormalization group methods for listed quantum systems
- Additional experience in density functional theory calculation is preferred, but not required
- 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 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.
Benefits at ORNL:
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.
Special Requirements:
Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
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.