Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Computational Researcher to join the Del Maestro group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to work on challenging problems in quantum materials at the interface of condensed matter, quantum chemistry, and materials science and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Utilize advanced computational frameworks to model complex physical interactions and transport phenomena.
• Simulate materials and account for fundamental physical effects under a range of environmental conditions.
• Leverage modern computational techniques, including data-driven and machine learning models, to accurately represent atomic-level interactions and behaviors.
• Analyze large-scale simulation data to extract key dynamic properties, and material performance metrics.
• Work with, validate, and help maintain proprietary in-house software tools and computational infrastructure.
• Collaborate with team members to apply specialized expertise toward solving complex modeling challenges.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics in scientific research.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field completed no later than 08/01/2026.
• Experience: An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Strong verbal and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members, including experimental collaborators.
• Familiarity with atomistic (e.g. molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo) and/or ab initio (e.g. density functional theory) computational tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Research experience in artificial intelligence for quantum systems/materials.

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before August 1, 2026:

• Cover Letter
• Full CV including list of publications
• 2-3 letters of recommendation with a preference for 1 from current supervisor sent directly to Prof. Del Maestro at qm_postdoc@tennessee.edu.