Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

Seeking a postdoctoral research associate to advance the frontier of correlated and topological quantum materials, with emphasis on accelerating discovery of antiferromagnets with spin-polarized electronic band structures (e.g., altermagnets and p-wave magnets) and topological spin textures. The primary experimental techniques relevant to this position are neutron and x-ray scattering. The role will leverage the framework of quantum geometry, spin space group, and machine-learning-driven approaches to data analysis. This position resides in the Correlated Electron Materials Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Key Responsibilities

• Neutron or photon-based diffraction and spectroscopy for characterization of quantum materials.
• Data analysis for structural, electronic, magnetic, and topological properties.
• Collaborate to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Publish scientific papers and present at scientific meetings and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• A PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in the physics of correlated and topological materials.
• Expertise in neutron and/or x-ray scattering.
• Experience applying AI and ML to experimental data sets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities, and adapt to changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience with neutron scattering and x-ray scattering, including proposal writing, data collection, and advanced analysis.
• Proficiency with scripting or programmatic languages, such as Python and LabVIEW.

Special Requirements

• PhD must be completed within the last 5 years from the date of application.
• Appointment length up to 24 months with potential for extension, subject to performance and funding.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge, which necessitates a favorable federal Tier 1 background check.
• Foreign National Candidates: If not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination is required instead of a PIV credential.

Application Materials

• Submit three letters of reference.