Research Associate in Materials Science and Engineering

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's Department of Materials Science and Engineering invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate focusing on transmission electron microscopy and defect characterization in materials. The position emphasizes in situ/ex-situ electron microscopy, quantum information science applications, and ferroic phase transitions.

Responsibilities include designing and executing TEM studies on thin film heterostructures for quantum computing, publishing in high-impact

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering with TEM-focused dissertation.
• Extensive TEM experience including STEM, HRTEM, and EDS.
• Strong TEM specimen prep skills (FIB milling and conventional methods).
• Experience with electric-field mapping or EELS is desirable.
• Strong English communication and meticulous record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in situ and ex situ electron microscopy studies of thin film heterostructures and devices for quantum computing.
• Publish results in high-impact journals.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

TEM expertise

Analytical skills

Record-keeping

English communication

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

Aberration-corrected STEM

HRTEM

EDS

FIB milling

Job description

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research associate position that focuses on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and defect characterization in materials.

The research conducted in Prof. Zhou’s laboratory focuses on advanced in-situ/ex-situ electron microscopy and spectroscopy, materials for quantum information science, and phases and phase transitions in ferroic materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel in situ and ex situ electron microscopy studies of thin film heterostructures and devices for quantum computing
• Publish results in high-impact journals
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field, with a dissertation emphasizing electron microscopy
• Extensive experience with TEM and complementary techniques, including aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
• Strong expertise in TEM specimen preparation (e.g., focus ion beam (FIB) milling and conventional methods)
• Experience in electric-field mapping (using electron microscopy and related techniques) or in EELS is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English for effective communication with collaborators and sponsors
• Excellent analytical and record-keeping skills, with strong attention to detail.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on August 24, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions about the position, please contact Lin Zhou, Associate Professor, at [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at [e-mail].

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at University of Virginia. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.