Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Theory

Requisition Id 14460 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on analytical and/or computational studies of collective phenomena in quantum materials. This position resides in the Materials Theory Group of the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

As part of our research team, you will engage in analytical and/or computational investigations of quantum materials, which exhibit novel phenomena induced by strong electron-electron or electron-lattice interactions and/or a nontrivial band topology. Experience in theoretical studies of quantum materials is required. This includes, but is not limited to, quantum many-body theory, including density matrix renormalization group, dynamical mean-field theory, quantum and classical Monte Carlo, Lanczos and exact diagonalization, random phase approximation, density functional theory, and Green’s function methods to analyze physical properties. Materials of interest include multi-orbital systems such as the nickel-based superconductors, correlated topological materials such as Kagome flat band systems and twisted transition metal dichalcogenides, quasi one-dimensional systems that host Majorana zero modes, and magnetic systems showing novel altermagnetism and various Hall effects.

 

In this role, you will perform state-of-the-art computational studies of lattice models of these systems with simultaneously active spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom, and electronic Hubbard repulsion, Hund, and spin-orbit coupling. The research will be aimed at developing conceptual frameworks to understand experimental observations and predict new properties and will benefit from collaborations with efforts in materials synthesis, characterization, and first principles theory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work with a diverse team of scientists seeking to advance scientific understanding of collective phenomena in quantum materials.
• Conduct many-body computational studies of low-energy effective models of these systems.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics, materials science or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with analyzing model Hamiltonians of strongly correlated electron systems.
• Experience with some of the following numerical methods: (i) density matrix renormalization group, (ii) dynamical mean-field theory, (iii) dynamical cluster approximation, (iv) quantum and classical Monte Carlo, (v) Lanczos and full exact diagonalization, (vi) random phase approximation, (vii) many-body Green’s function methods, (viii) density functional theory.
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals .
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

 

Special Requirements: