Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Materials

University of California - Santa Cruz; Windsor; On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research group invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Materials. This role involves synthesizing and characterizing new quantum materials, driving projects that explore the physics of strongly correlated electron systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with top scientists, mentor students, and contribute to groundbreaking research in a supportive environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact science and society through outreach and public engagement, while working with advanced techniques and technologies in a vibrant academic setting.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, or a related field is required.
• Experience in materials synthesis and characterization is essential.
• Proficiency in advanced data analysis software is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize polycrystal and single crystal specimens using various methods.
• Perform X-ray scattering measurements to characterize crystal structures.
• Publish original research and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Materials Synthesis

Data Analysis

X-ray Scattering

Crystal Growth Methods

Mentoring

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Python

Origin

MATLAB

Job description

Position overview
Position title:
Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Materials

Salary range:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individual's Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See the salary scale titled, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee /Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow / Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct -Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $66,737 - $71,769.

Percent time:
Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start:
As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.

Position duration:
Maximum Duration of Service in a Postdoctoral Title- Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time and the initial appointment is for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of reappointment. The total duration of an individual's postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution.

Application Window

Open date: December 9, 2024

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Baumbach Group in the Physics Department at the University of California Santa Cruz, invites applications for the position, Postdoctoral Scholar in Quantum Materials Design, Synthesis, and Characterization. We are focused on the physics of quantum materials, with an emphasis on emergent structural, magnetic and electronic states that derive from transition metal, lanthanide and actinide elements. We follow an approach based on: (i) development of design principles; (ii) crystal growth methods; and (iii) elucidation of phenomena using scattering, electronic, and thermodynamic probes.

In this role, and under the supervision of Associate Professor Ryan Baumbach, you will develop emerging families of strongly correlated electron and topological materials, driving both in-house projects and international collaborations, and you will contribute to the advancement of science in society (e.g., by participating in outreach and in public forums).

This position's duties will include the following.

• Synthesize polycrystal and singe crystal specimens using a variety of crystal growth methods: e.g., molten metal flux, Bridgman, chemical vapor transport, solid state reaction.


• Perform X-ray scattering measurements to characterize crystal structures.


• Perform magnetic susceptibility, electrical transport, and heat capacity over a wide range of temperatures, magnetic fields, and pressures. This will be done in-house (e.g., using Quantum Design PPMS and MPMS) or at user facilities such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory


• Develop toolkits using Python or Origin to analyze experimental data.


• Develop methods to aggregate data in order to identify trends in families of materials.


• Collaborate with other research teams and scientists.


• Assist with mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and citizen scientists.


• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to collaborative publications and contribute to writing grants and proposals.


• Present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and at regular group meetings.


• Contribute positively to the active research culture.


• Uphold a culture of safety and promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) practices in your daily work.

Applicants with experience in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Experience of intermetallic materials synthesis methods.


• Experience with low temperature, high pressure, and high magnetic field experimental techniques.


• Experience with X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis methods.


• Strong time management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.


• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Baumbach Group: https://baumbachlab.sites.ucsc.edu/

UCSC Physics Department: https://www.physics.ucsc.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• PhD (or equivalent foreign degree) in physics, materials science, chemistry or a related science discipline. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of appointment.


• Experience performing independent hands-on work in both materials synthesis and characterization.


• Experience with advanced data analysis software such as Origin, MATLAB, or Python-based tools.


• Experience with simultaneously managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.


• Record of scientific publications.


• Experience with mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and citizen scientists.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include your publications.

  
  

• Cover Letter - One page maximum.

  
  

• Statement of Research - Two page maximum.

  
  

Reference requirements

• 2 letters of reference required

Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation*. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC's confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.

Apply link:
https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01848

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Santa Cruz

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy


• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at [e-mail] [phone].

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

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The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Santa Cruz, CA