Theory Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Materials Theory and Discovery

About the Role

The Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics Group in the Theoretical Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral position in computational materials physics. The postdoc will focus on applying first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and high-throughput approaches in combination with machine learning techniques for discovering and the inverse design of novel 2D f-electron materials with non-trivial topological properties. The work will be a combination of developing computational workflows and applying existing DFT codes.

What You Will Do

• Apply first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and high-throughput approaches combined with machine learning for discovery and inverse design of novel 2D f-electron materials with non-trivial topological properties.
• Develop computational workflows and apply existing DFT codes.
• Collaborate on a project aimed at unraveling fundamental properties of these systems and establishing a new route to quantum information.
• Be an integral part of a dynamic team of condensed matter theory and experiment scientists at LANL and University of California, Irvine.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Strong skills in computational materials theory with an excellent scientific record of publications.
• Expertise in first-principles density functional theory simulations (working experience with standard DFT methods, such as VASP, Quantum Espresso, or Wien2k).
• Experience programming in Python, C++, or Fortran.
• Ability to work creatively as part of a diverse team and independently.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science completed within the last 5 years.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in Linux computing environments, especially in the context of high-performance computing.
• Experience or knowledge of basic machine learning methods.

Work Location

Onsite located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Benefits

• 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

• Position has an initial appointment of two years.
• Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship; outstanding candidates may be considered for the Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellowships.
• No security clearance required.
• Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
• Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, North Korea, and Russia who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes LANL.
• For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program webpage.