Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Computational Condensed Matter Physicsand Nanoscience

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Computational Condensed Matter Physics and Nanoscience. The role involves investigating nanoscale systems for chemical sensing, utilizing advanced computational methods and high-performance computing. Candidates should possess a Ph.D. and relevant experience in computational approaches. The position offers a collaborative environment and the opportunity for renewal based on performance.

Benefits

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strength in computational approaches and research productivity.
• Experience in using many-body electronic approaches.
• Knowledge of Monte Carlo Methods.

Responsibilities

• Investigate nanoscale systems for chemical sensing.
• Build predictive models for nanomaterials-based sensors.
• Collaborate with peers and co-supervise students.

Skills

Density Functional Theory

Machine Learning

Communication

Time Management

Education

Ph.D. in Science or Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Fortran

Job description

Description

Postdoctoral Scholar position

Area: Computational Condensed Matter Physics and Nanoscience
Duration: 1 year with possibility of renewal for another year
Start date: Flexible
Salary: $50,000 CAD per annum, plus University of Calgary Plan C health benefits

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in computational condensed matter physics and nanoscience to investigate nanoscale systems for chemical sensing.

Job Description:

The postdoctoral scholar will be part of the Complex Nano Materials Group (CNMG), led by Primary Investigator Dr. Claudia G. Rocha, a research and development team that uses a broad toolkit of computational methods and high-performance computing (HPC) to investigate non-conventional nanomaterials engineered for specific technological applications: (i) neuromorphic (brain-like) systems, (ii) transparent conducting films, and (iii) molecular quantum sensors. The work will focus on building descriptive and predictive models to infer the physical responses of nanomaterials-based sensors at realistic environmental conditions. Emphasis is on implementing first principles and/or machine-learning (ML) methods, coupled with static and/or nonequilibrium transport theories, for accurate prediction and detection of chemical impurities interacting with low-dimensional materials.

The successful applicant will be based at the University of Calgary and will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative team with supporting research funding from NSERC and Alberta Innovates. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewable for a second year, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering from a relevant discipline, such as physics, (quantum) chemistry, or physics engineering, and will have demonstrated exceptional strength in relevant computational approaches and research productivity in the context of computational condensed matter physics (e.g., strong publication record on topics associated with the job description). Clear alignment with the job description and interest in innovation and interdisciplinary work should be expressed in the cover letter. Other required qualifications include:

• Experience in using Density Functional Theory (DFT) techniques;
• Experience in using many-body electronic approaches (beyond-DFT) to build nanomaterials models;
• Knowledge of using first principles and/or machine learning methods coupled with nonequilibrium
  quantum transport theories;
• Knowledge of Monte Carlo Methods and description of disordered systems;
• Proficiency in HPC;
• Experience in scripting in Python, MATLAB, C++, and/or Fortran programming language;
• Excellent communication, writing, and organization skills (including file/data management);
• Ability to work independently, have excellent interpersonal and effective time management skills;
• Ability to work within a collaborative setting with peers and co-supervise students;
• Ability to set clear priorities while managing multiple timelines and objectives.

Application details:

1. A brief cover letter outlining interest in this project, detailing qualifications and/or related experience.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Name and contact information of three references.
4. Brief research statement (up to two pages).

Applicants should submit the requested materials above through the UCalgary portal using the "Apply Now" button below.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the application deadline of 11:59 PM MST, August 15, 2025, or until the position is filled. Applicants from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted further. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, although others are encouraged to apply.

Please review the Postdoc Eligibility Guidelines for more information prior to applying for this position.

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view ourPostdoc Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

The University of Calgary is Canada's leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation's most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada's top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([e-mail]).