Several postdoctoral positions at the University of Michigan (Kioupakis group)

The theory group led by Prof. Emmanouil (Manos) Kioupakis in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, invites applications for several postdoctoral positions in the field of computational materials physics. The group’s research focuses on developing and applying electronic-structure methods to understand and predict the properties of semiconductors and functional materials. More information about the group’s recent activities can be found on the group website: https://kioupakisgroup.engin.umich.edu/

The current postdoctoral openings focus on the following themes:

a) Electron-phonon physics in semiconductors. This project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is part of a collaborative grant with the groups of Prof. Feliciano Giustino at the University of Texas at Austin and Prof. Roxana Margine at Binghamton University (State University of New York). The project aims to develop new methods and functionalities for modeling quantum processes assisted by electron-phonon interactions in the open-source EPW code. Examples of previous work from the group on this topic include:

• Phonon-assisted Auger-Meitner recombination: Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 076902 (2023), http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.076902, http://arxiv.org/abs/2207.08028
• First-principles theory of free-carrier absorption: Phys. Rev. B 106, 205203 (2022), http://doi.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.106.205203, http://arxiv.org/abs/2205.02768
• Carrier mobility of semiconductors: Appl. Phys. Lett. 124, 172103 (2024), http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0198885 , http://arxiv.org/abs/2401.12158

b) Theoretical characterization and computational discovery of ultra-wide-band-gap semiconductors. This project, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Army Research Office, aims to apply first-principles calculations to understand doping and carrier transport in ultra-wide-band-gap semiconductors such as AlGaN and GeSnO2. It will be performed in close collaboration with experimental growth and characterization groups at the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota. Examples of previous work by the group include:

• Review paper: Journal of Materials Research 36, 4616–4637 (2021) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1557/s43578-021-00437-6
• Prediction of GeO2 as a new ultra-wide-band-gap semiconductor: Phys. Lett. 118, 260501 (2021), http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0056674
• Theory of carrier transport in alloys: Appl. Phys. Lett. 117, 242105 (2020), http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0027802

c) First-principles theory of nitride ferroelectrics. This project, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense MURI program, aims to understand and predict the ferroelectric, defect, electronic, and optical properties of the newly discovered family of nitride ferroelectrics based on ScAlN and related materials. It will be performed in close collaboration with a comprehensive team of experimental groups at the University of Michigan, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Ohio State University, the Pennsylvania State University, and Yale University. The goal is to understand and optimize novel ferroelectric materials that can surpass the state of the art for electronic and photonic applications. Previous related work by the group includes:

• Universal stabilization mechanism for antipolar domain walls in tetrahedral ferroelectrics: http://arxiv.org/abs/2312.08645
• First-principles theory of transition-metal nitrides: AIP Advances 11, 065312 (2021), http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0055515

Applicants should have or expect to obtain soon a PhD or equivalent degree in computational materials physics or related fields. Application materials include (1) CV, including list of publications, (2) a statement of research interests, including previous research experience, future research goals, and your overall career objectives, and (3) the names and contact information of at least 2 and up to 3 references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The initial appointment will be for 12 months, with the expectation that it will be renewed upon mutual agreement. Applications should be submitted via the following website: https://forms.gle/GMD3wBwbriPdqvar6

The University of Michigan is committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse work culture that respects the rights of each individual, without regard to race, color, national original, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, height, weight, marital status, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.