Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

University of Southern California; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California is seeking a PhD-level scientist to lead theory and experiment in beyond-CMOS spintronics. You will drive quantum transport modeling, first‑principles calculations, and device-level validation in a team that co-authors publications and contributes to patents.

The role emphasizes collaboration across institutions, DARPA‑funded program scope, and access to USC‑ISI cleanroom facilities with direct interaction with senior researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (awarded or imminent).
• Demonstrated competence in computational techniques (NEGF, DFT, micromagnetics, atomistic spin dynamics) and experimental techniques (device fabrication, transport, FMR, magneto-optics, or thin-film characterization).
• Strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead validation experiments at major program decision gates.
• Co-author theory and experimental publications and contribute to patent portfolio.
• Interact with senior faculty and collaborators across institutions.

Skills

NEGF modeling

DFT

Micromagnetics

Atomistic spin dynamics

Device fabrication

MATLAB

Python

Education

PhD (awarded or imminent)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Responsibilities

Theory

• Quantum transport modeling using NEGF; first-principles materials and interface calculations using DFT (VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or equivalent).
• Atomistic spin dynamics or micromagnetic simulation (e.g., Vampire, OOMMF, MuMax3); extraction of compact device models from first-principles results.

Experiment

• End-to-end device fabrication: e-beam lithography, metallization, lift-off, thin-film deposition, and etch.
• Integration of heterogeneous material stacks supplied by collaborators into working device structures.
• Electrical and magnetic characterization, including cryogenic transport, FMR, and high-frequency lock-in measurements.

Program role

• Design and lead validation experiments at the major program decision gates, co-author theory and experimental publications, and contribute to the patent portfolio.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD (awarded or imminent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated competence in both a computational technique (NEGF, DFT, micromagnetics, atomistic spin dynamics, or equivalent) and an experimental technique (device fabrication, transport, FMR, magneto-optics, or thin-film characterization).
• Strong publication record.

Preferred

• Prior experience with spintronic materials or beyond-CMOS device platforms.
• Familiarity with MATLAB or the Python scientific stack.
• Prior involvement in multi-PI collaborations or government-funded programs.

What the Program Offers

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (USC postdoc / USC-ISI graduate research assistant scales).
• Access to USC-ISI cleanroom facilities, the broader USC research ecosystem, and fabrication routing through the CA DREAMS Microelectronics Commons Hub.
• Direct involvement in a high-visibility DARPA program with clear paths to first-author publications and a position in a growing patent portfolio.
• The successful candidate will interact regularly with senior faculty at partner institutions.
• Detailed technical scope will be discussed during the interview.
• The initial appointment is for 18 months, renewable for up to 36 months subject to performance and program funding.

The Application Specific Intelligent Computing Lab at the USC Information Sciences Institute (USC-ISI) is recruiting to join a beyond-CMOS spintronics program - a 36-month, multi-institution DARPA-funded effort to develop a three-terminal beyond-CMOS digital logic switch based on spintronic elements.

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