Postdoctoral Research Associate- Thin Film Synthesis and Characterization of Quantum Materials [...]

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic team focused on synthesizing quantum materials. This role emphasizes collaboration and innovation, where you'll explore the properties of novel materials through advanced techniques. You will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities and contribute to groundbreaking research. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate expertise in epitaxial synthesis and characterization techniques. Join us to push the boundaries of science and technology in a supportive and resource-rich environment.

Benefits

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness facilities

Cafeteria facilities

Banking services

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field, completed within the last 5 years.
• Strong background in thin film synthesis and related techniques.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize thin films using molecular beam epitaxy.
• Characterize electronic and magnetic properties using various techniques.
• Contribute to user proposals for DOE-funded facilities.

Skills

Epitaxial thin film synthesis

Ultrahigh vacuum techniques

Cryogenic transport

Magnetometry measurements

Data analysis (Python, Labview)

Excellent communication skills

Independent work

Education

PhD in condensed matter physics

PhD in materials science

Tools

Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS)

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)

X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS)

Angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy (ARPES)

Neutron reflectometry

Job description

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the synthesis of quantum materials aimed at understanding their novel properties. This will be a highly collaborative position residing in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team led by Dr. Matthew Brahlek and Dr. Rob Moore, you will focus on the growth of thin film and heterostructure quantum materials utilizing molecular beam epitaxy, and probing the crystalline, electronic, and magnetic properties. Your emphasis will be on the development and characterization of new material platforms to understand and control emergent phenomena in heterostructures of strongly correlated phases, Dirac materials, Weyl semimetals, topological insulators, etc. This will include performing characterization in a unique state of the art laboratory to study the structure, electronic structure, and magnetic state. In addition, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Center for Nanophase Material Science (CNMS), and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), both DOE user facilities onsite at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Synthesize thin films materials by molecular beam epitaxy.
2. Characterize electronic, magnetic properties and structural properties. Necessary to have experience with the select techniques such as:
   • Electronic transport with systems such as Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS).
   • Lab source or synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD).
   • Magnetometry.
   • Scanning probe microscopy such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) or scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
   • Photoemission spectroscopies:
     • X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS).
     • Angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy (ARPES).
   • Neutron reflectometry.
3. Contribute to user proposals to gain access to DOE-funded user facilities.
4. Proven record of disseminating scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
5. Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
6. Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
7. Work in the fast paced and highly collaborative environment at ORNL to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.

Basic Qualifications:

1. A PhD in condensed matter physics, materials science, or a closely related science discipline completed within the last 5 years.
2. A strong background in epitaxial thin film synthesis, ultrahigh vacuum techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission, and cryogenic transport and magnetometry measurements.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major conferences.
2. Familiarity with numerical data analysis and customization of control software (Python, Labview, etc.).
3. Experience with the use of PPMS, XRD, dilution refrigerator, SQUID, XPS, scanning probes, soft x-rays, and neutrons.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
5. Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
6. 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 [e-mail] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

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.

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.