Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Theory

Requisition Id14460

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on analytical and/or computational studies of collective phenomena in quantum materials. This position resides in the Materials Theory Group of the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will engage in analytical and/or computational investigations of quantum materials, which exhibit novel phenomena induced by strong electron-electron or electron-lattice interactions and/or a nontrivial band topology. Experience in theoretical studies of quantum materials is required. This includes, but is not limited to, quantum many-body theory, including density matrix renormalization group, dynamical mean-field theory, quantum and classical Monte Carlo, Lanczos and exact diagonalization, random phase approximation, density functional theory, and Green's function methods to analyze physical properties. Materials of interest include multi-orbital systems such as the nickel-based superconductors, correlated topological materials such as Kagome flat band systems and twisted transition metal dichalcogenides, quasi one-dimensional systems that host Majorana zero modes, and magnetic systems showing novel altermagnetism and various Hall effects.

In this role, you will perform state-of-the-art computational studies of lattice models of these systems with simultaneously active spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom, and electronic Hubbard repulsion, Hund, and spin-orbit coupling. The research will be aimed at developing conceptual frameworks to understand experimental observations and predict new properties and will benefit from collaborations with efforts in materials synthesis, characterization, and first principles theory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with a diverse team of scientists seeking to advance scientific understanding of collective phenomena in quantum materials.
• Conduct many-body computational studies of low-energy effective models of these systems.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics, materials science or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with analyzing model Hamiltonians of strongly correlated electron systems.
• Experience with some of the following numerical methods: (i) density matrix renormalization group, (ii) dynamical mean-field theory, (iii) dynamical cluster approximation, (iv) quantum and classical Monte Carlo, (v) Lanczos and full exact diagonalization, (vi) random phase approximation, (vii) many-body Green's function methods, (viii) density functional theory.
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by 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:

Postdocs:

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.

Letters of Recommendation:

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

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing 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.

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.

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.