Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Geometry, Onsite

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The Nanostructure Physics department at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) is searching for a research oriented Postdoctoral Appointee who is passionate about discovery in fundamental science and mathematics with an emphasis on real-space approaches to quantum geometry and topological classification in both natural and artificial materials, the intersection of these topics with symbolic regression and other AI methods, and the application of these ideas to nanophotonic systems.

Primary point of contact: Alexander Cerjan

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Perform analytic derivations and numerical analyses of abstract physical "toy" models and/or realistic material systems.
• Develop new algorithms or for studying a material's quantum geometry and topology.
• Collaborate with Terry Loring at the Univ. of New Mexico, other university partners (in physics and mathematics), and CINT users.
• Study new physics phenomena and evaluate new concepts with an emphasis on discovering new questions, and beyond simply answering known questions.
• Potentially support research in some subset of 2D electron gasses, nanophotonic systems, and/or exciton-polariton platforms.
• Report research results in top-tier journals and conferences.
• Generate new intellectual property through patent filing.

• You have, or are pursuing a PhD in physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering. PhD must be conferred within five years prior to employment.
• Experience with some subset of: topological band theory, local topological invariants, the quantum geometric tensor, and/or applications of pseudospectral methods to physics.
• Experience performing original research, proven through a record of invention, original publications in professional journals, and conference papers and presentations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team conducting theoretical/computational and experimental work, and the ability to interact effectively with other members of such a diverse team of specialists.

• Experience in developing your own software for modelling condensed matter systems.
• Experience in modelling nanophotonic systems using either open source or commercial software packages.\
• Experience with theories for treating of nonlinear phenomena in photonics and/or interactions in condensed matter systems
• Results-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills to work independently and in a collaborative group environment

Our department supports the Center for Integrated Nanotechnology (CINT). CINT is a Department of Energy/Office of Science Nanoscale Science Research Center operating as a national user facility devoted to establishing the scientific principles that govern the design, performance, and integration of nanoscale materials. Through its core facility in Albuquerque and gateway facility in Los Alamos, CINT provides users from academia, industry, and government labs open access to the tools and expertise needed to explore the continuum from scientific discovery to the integration of nanostructures into the micro- and macro world. CINT is an equal partnership between Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

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If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.