Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Postdoctoral Researcher position in Beyond-CMOS Spintronics at the Application Specific Intelligent Computing Lab, USC Information Sciences Institute (USC-ISI).

About the Role

The successful candidate will take technical leadership on device physics and device integration within a 36-month, multi-institution DARPA-funded program to develop a three-terminal beyond-CMOS digital logic switch based on spintronic elements. You will work across theory and experiment within a multi-PI team spanning USC-ISI and partner institutions, design and lead validation experiments at major program decision gates, co-author publications, and contribute to the patent portfolio.

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 major program decision gates
  • Co-author theory and experimental publications
  • Contribute to the patent portfolio

Requirements

• 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 Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• 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
• Regular interaction with senior faculty at partner institutions

Pay

Competitive salary based on USC postdoc or USC-ISI graduate research assistant scales.

Schedule

Initial appointment is for 18 months, renewable for up to 36 months subject to performance and program funding.