A joint Research Scientist position is immediately available in the groups of Dr. Tao Wei in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Dr. Pratibha Dev in the Department of Physics at the Howard University. The focus of this joint position in the fields of quantum chemistry and physics is to study defects in 2D materials and biosensing using quantum computation and machine learning. The appointment is initially for one year and is extendible up to 2.5 years based on the performance of the candidate. The research scientist is expected to work closely with collaborators at the University of Southern California.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK:

The research scientist is expected to perform research as well as co-organize workshops to teach first principles-based methods and machine learning to students and early-career scientists. In particular, this senior scientist position entails:

• Performing research on the projects under this grant             
• Co-organizing annual workshops and helping to teach first principles-based methods and machine learning to students and early-career scientists
• Participating in grant writing, development of manuscripts and reports
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the principle investigators, especially those related to research training, mentoring, and interdisciplinary projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES:           

• Demonstrates expertise in quantum chemistry, physics, and QM/MM and/or Quantum Dynamics simulations.
• Ability to program in one (or more) of the following: C/C++, Fortran and Python
• Expertise in Machine learning, Neural Network MD, or Kinetic Monte Carlo would be a plus.
• Competence in writing technical reports, research articles, research proposals and communications with collaborating teams.
• Skills in data compilation, analysis, and presentation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:         

Applicants should have, by the job start date, received a Ph.D. degree in one of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or a relevant area.

Interested applicants should first send a cover letter and a detailed CV via email to Dr. Tao Wei ([email protected]) and Dr. Pratibha Dev ([email protected]). In the cover letter, please detail the manner in which your skills can be applied to the proposed research. The short-listed applicants will be contacted for an online interview. The candidate should arrange for at least two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Drs Wei and Dev, when requested.