A postdoctoral opening on the theory and simulation of optoelectronic properties of van der Waals materials in the Theory and Modeling Group at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), at the Argonne National Laboratory (near Chicago, USA) is available. Interviews will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

 The focus is on developing a mixed quantum-classical electrodynamics framework for predicting the optical response of helical and twisted van der Waals materials. Methods may include Green’s functions and Kubo-type approaches to the non-local optical conductivity, in conjunction with first-principles electronic structure methods (e.g. time-dependent density functional theory) and effective continuous models derived from such methods.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct calculations of the reflectance/transmittance and second harmonic generation of van der Waals heterostructures. The work is part of a larger collaboration with experimentalists at the CNM (Richard Schaller, Xuedan Ma, Dafei Jin, and Nathan Guisinger). The principal investigators for the theoretical component are Pierre Darancet, Subramanian Sankaranarayan, and Stephen Gray.

Applicants should have considerable knowledge of the following:

• Modeling light–matter interactions

• Nonlocal effects in the electromagnetic response

• Full Wave/Photonic simulations

Position Requirements

• Good skills in two-dimensional materials modeling, database development,  programming (Fortran, C, C++, Python,…), high-throughput calculations, and inverse design are advantageous. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

• Good collaborative skills, including the ability to work well with other divisions, labs, universities, and industry, are beneficial.

• PhD level with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field is required.

Interested candidates should send their CV and answers to the questions below to Pierre Darancet at [email protected]: (or apply at https://argonne.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Argonne_Careers/job/Lemont-IL-USA/Postdoctoral-Appointment---Theory-and-Modeling_413236 ) 

What materials modeling technique(s) do you have expertise in?

What is your experience with software development?

What is your experience with collaborative projects with experimental groups?

What is your citizenship and current status in the US (if applicable)?

Argonne National Laboratory offers excellent compensation and benefit packages. Argonne is a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC. Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce.