Postdoctoral Researcher in Interfacial Physics of Topological Materials and Semiconductors

What You Will Do
The Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics Group (T-4) in Theoretical Division invites applications for a postdoctoral research position. We seek outstanding candidates with expertise in the theory and modeling of electronic structure and transport at interfaces of low-dimensional, topological, and semiconducting materials. Emphasis will be placed on understanding structure-property relationships at the interfaces of topological insulators and traditional semiconductors to optimize interfacial transport using first-principles electronic structure calculations, tight-binding model construction, and quantum transport calculations. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists working at the intersection of fundamental science and emerging applications in next-generation microelectronics.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Strong background in modeling electronic structure or transport in materials platforms
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
Ability and willingness to work with interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Education/Experience:
A Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, or computer science completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed. The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of the appointment.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with density functional theory (DFT) calculations on complex quantum materials, such as van der Waals materials or topological materials
Experience with DFT electronic structure calculations of interfaces
Experience performing Wannierization to compute topological indices and produce tight-binding models
Background in using tight-binding models to compute transport properties
Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU computing.
Ability to use Mathematica, Python, or other scientific computing language
Work Environment:
Work Location:
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
The review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Questions can be sent to Dr. Elizabeth Peterson (epeterson@lanl.gov)
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship, and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
For more information about the Postdoc Program, go to
https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
Dental and vision insurance
Free basic life and disability insurance
Paid childbirth and parental leave
Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
Onsite gyms and wellness programs
Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2
- Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance:
Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test
: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants
: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity
: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
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