Cavity Quantum Materials Postdoc Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants for postdoctoral positions in the field of cavity quantum materials, an intersection between cavity quantum electrodynamics and quantum materials. The candidates will be expected to contribute to developing and applying multiscale theories and corresponding massively parallel algorithms for investigating the electronic, optical, and dynamical properties of quantum materials in various cavities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage with a dynamic, multi-disciplinary experimental and theoretical research team that bridges fundamental science with applications. We provide unique opportunities for cross disciplinary collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance. Outstanding applicants may be nominated for prestigious LANL-funded fellowships, enabling the pursuit of independent research.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related physical sciences, completed within the last 5 years or to be completed soon.
  • Solid physical background with knowledge of quantum many-body theory
  • Programming experience (either Fortran, C/C++, or Python)
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.
  • The ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a part of a diverse multi-disciplinary team.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills.

Desired Qualifications:
  • In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying (at least one) of them:
  • Demonstrated experience with developing electronic structure methods (like DFT, semi-empirical, Coupled-cluster, Quantum Monte Carlo, Gutzwiller, etc.)
  • Interest and flexibility to adapt to new areas of research.
  • Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with various expertise.
  • Experience with developing reduced-scaling algorithms or massively parallel algorithms.
  • Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU programming.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.

Note to Applicants:
  • The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance evaluation.
  • Candidates may be considered for a fellowship supported by the Center for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS). Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
  • For more information about the Postdoc Program, please go to https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/postdoctoral-research

Contact:
  • Dr. Yu Zhang (zhy@lanl.gov)

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at 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, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.