Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Phenomena in Correlated and Topological Materials

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site amenities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Phenomena in Correlated and Topological Materials. The position focuses on accelerating discovery of antiferromagnets with spin-polarized band structures using neutron and x-ray scattering, leveraging quantum geometry, spin space groups, and machine-learning approaches.

You will join the Correlated Electron Materials Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, collaborating with teams in

Qualifications

• A PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in the physics of correlated and topological materials.
• Expertise in neutron and/or x-ray scattering.

Responsibilities

• Perform neutron or photon-based diffraction and spectroscopy to characterize quantum materials.
• Analyze data on structural, electronic, magnetic, and topological properties.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain high scientific productivity.
• Publish papers and present at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Neutron scattering

X-ray scattering

Data analysis

AI/ML

Python

LabVIEW

Communication skills

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or closely related field

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Phenomena in Correlated and Topological Materials

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to advance the frontier of correlated and topological quantum materials, with emphasis on accelerating discovery of antiferromagnets with spin-polarized electronic band structures (e.g., altermagnets and p-wave magnets) and topological spin textures. The primary experimental techniques relevant to this position are neutron and x-ray scattering. The role will leverage the framework of quantum geometry, spin space group, and machine-learning-driven approaches to data analysis, dramatically shortening the path from candidate material to fundamental understanding. This position resides in the Correlated Electron Materials Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will work in a highly collaborative environment with a broad spectrum of expertise, including materials synthesis, quantum transport, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and neutron/x-ray scattering. You will perform cutting-edge research on correlated and topological quantum materials.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Neutron or photon-based diffraction and spectroscopy for characterization of quantum materials.
• Data analysis for structural, electronic, magnetic, and topological properties.
• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Publish scientific papers in journals and present at scientific meetings and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• 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 PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in the physics of correlated and topological materials.
• Expertise in neutron and/or x-ray scattering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience with neutron scattering and x-ray scattering including proposal writing, data collection, and advanced analysis.
• Proficiency with scripting or programmatic languages, such as Python and LabVIEW.
• Experience applying AI and ML to experimental data sets.
• 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

• 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.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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
• Employee Discounts

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.