***To be formally considered for this position, all interested job seekers must apply via http://www.ornl.gov/careers. The direct link for the job application can be found here:  https://recruiting.ornl.gov/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2QjQzOTc3MUVEN0IyQTk0RTQ2Q0QzNTc0NjEmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=010&sap-language=EN ***

PURPOSE:  We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support our Nanomaterials Theory Group. In this role, you'll conduct research on the theory and modeling of functional materials for energy storage and conversion technologies, work alongside our team of dedicated and interdisciplinary researchers, and have the opportunity to share your results with the scientific community. You'll also be collaborating with experimental groups that are applying a wide range of complimentary techniques, including neutron scattering and electron microscopy methods. The position is with the Center for Predictive Simulation of Functional Materials (CPSFM), a U.S. Department of Energy Computational Materials Science center, and resides in the Center for Nanophase Materials Science (CNMS) of the Physical Sciences Directorate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

OVERVIEW:  The overall scope of this project is to build an atomistic understanding of the origins of novel functionality in materials, such as complex oxides, where charge-spin-orbital-lattice degrees of freedom couple, giving rise to a wide range of tunable properties, using density functional theory (DFT) based electronic structure methods for solids, benchmarked against high-fidelity calculations using correlated methods such as quantum monte-carlo (QMC). Feedback between modeling and experiments will be used both to validate predictions, as well as to guide simulations. The overarching goal is to improve our understanding and predictive capability of functional material properties in complex oxides, and related functional materials, for advanced energy applications.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 
• Build atomistic models of bulk, surface and interfaces of complex functional materials and perform ab initio DFT-based calculations to compute their properties
• Collaborate with experts in QMC to improve DFT description of material properties
• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
• Validate theoretical approaches by working closely with experimental groups
• Contribute to the production of research proposals
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in key peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 
• A PhD in physics, material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline completed within the last five years
• Experience in applying electronic structure methods to study materials

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated and safety conscious
• Strong record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• Capable of creative research with minimal direction and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues
• Strong background in materials science, condensed matter physics, and electronic-structure methods.
• Experience with materials modeling, especially solids and their interfaces.
• Experience in python programming language

OTHER INFORMATION:
Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension up to 12 months. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position. Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to [email protected]. Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

ORNL is an equal opporutnity employer. All qualifed applicants, including individuals with disabilities or protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.

***To be formally considered for this position, all interested job seekers must apply via ornl.gov/careers. The direct link for the job application can be found here:  https://recruiting.ornl.gov/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2QjQzOTc3MUVEN0IyQTk0RTQ2Q0QzNTc0NjEmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=010&sap-language=EN ***