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Overview: 

The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) is  seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research directed towards understanding and control of metastability in driven dynamical systems, bridging time-/length-scales from atomistic to continuum. The focus will be on quantum- and neuromorphic-materials where metastable states can be created, usually at high-fields, giving rise to memory-effects when the system is driven out of equilibrium. The goals are to reveal the nature of these metastable-states, their creation and evolution under high-fields, and the governing dynamics of systems with such naturally existing OR engineered metastability.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will contribute to research in these areas bridging state-of-the-art large-scale electronic-structure based approaches with reactive force-field as well as continuum phase-field modeling of driven dynamical systems. Efforts to learn and accelerate dynamical simulations using advanced machine-learning algorithms will also be of interest.  In addition to fundamental science, the research will pursue development of codes tailored to bridge these approaches in an automated fashion. The research is designed to provide opportunities for development of your experience and scientific vision. The position resides in the Nano-Theory Institute within the Center for Nanophase Materials Science (CNMS) of the Physical Sciences Directorate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work as part of a dynamic team conducting research that advances our understanding of metastability in driven dynamical systems and leads to the development of new theoretical capabilities
• Connect theory, modeling and simulation results to experimental studies
• Conduct theoretical and computational studies using high-performance computing resources
• Perform data analysis, utilize, and contribute to open source tools for simulation and analysis
• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
• Present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field, completed within the last five years
• Demonstrated experience using electronic-structue, force-field and/or phase-field modeling approaches. 

Preferred Qualification:

• A strong background in solid-state and condensed matter physics, including electronic structure, force-field and/or phase-field modeling to understand (dynamics of) phase-transitions
• A strong background in (or knowledge of) non-equilibrium statistical mechanics  
• Knowledge of a programming language (such as Python or Matlab), scientific data analysis, and basic machine-learning methods.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in English 
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• Capability for innovative research with minimal supervision and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues
• Willingness to learn new analytical tools and approaches including scientific programming and machine learning methods.

Special Requirements:

The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

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.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.