Purpose
Materials Theory Group seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help advance our understanding of complex collective phenomena in strongly correlated electron systems caused by strong electron-electron interactions and the relativistic spin-orbit coupling. For this purpose, a variety of theoretical methods will be used, mainly with model Hamiltonians. The core scientific aim of the project is to understand or predict such phenomena in correlated systems in bulk forms, such as transition-metal oxides, transition-metal charcogenides, or heterostructures. As a postdoc, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds, not only condensed matter theorists but also experimentalists, including neutron diffraction and scattering at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). This position resides in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Major Duties/Responsibilities As part of our team, you will perform the theoretical and computational calculations for existing materials to help understand their novel behaviors or unknown materials to predict their potential novel functionalities. You will drive the project forward by identifying promising material systems and performing detailed theoretical investigations. While you will be responsible for performing theoretical calculations, you will also be expected to actively interact with experimental colleagues. As such, this position provides the chance to create meaningful contributions in the field of complex collective phenomena in strongly correlated materials while refining your existing theoretical skills and developing new ones.
Other Responsibilities
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain a strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
Qualifications Required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• A PhD in physics, applied physics, material science, or a related discipline completed within the last five years
• Background in condensed matter physics and computational and analytical calculations with model Hamiltonians
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with computational density functional theory calculations or analytic tight-binding model calculations
• Experience with many-body calculations using a Hartree-Fock method, Green function techniques, or dynamical mean field methods
• Familiarity with complex phenomena in bulk transition-metal oxides, such as high transition temperature superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance effect and multiferroics.
• Familiarity with theoretical approaches to deal with the spatial inhomogeneity arising from defects or disorder in bulk systems or interfaces between different systems as found in heterostructures
• Familiarity with many-body computational techniques, such as Lanczos or Arnoldi exact diagonalization, and the density matrix renormalization group methods
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as 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
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• Ability to function well in a dynamic research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs
OTHER INFORMATION:
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 vailability of funding. Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position. Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov. Please include the title of the position in the subject line. 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), Excel(.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint(.ppt, .pptx), Adobe(.pdf), Rich Text Format(.rtf), HTML(.htm, .hmtl) and text files(.txt) up to 2MB 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.