Requisition Id 9821 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will develop and apply electronic structure theory approaches to examine the fundamental properties of a range of advanced materials.  Research efforts will include the application of density functional theory to high throughput studies of ion and proton transport in organic materials as well as to explore the science of synthesis of complex materials. This effort will support research in the Fast and Cooperative ion Transport in Polymer Based Materials Energy Frontier Research Center as well as a DOE funded Basic Energy Sciences materials theory project.

The Materials Theory Group has a background in using first principles methods to examine electronic and thermal transport, magnetic properties of advanced materials, thermoelectrics, functional oxides and weakly bonded materials.  The incumbent will have opportunities to develop research methodologies as well as collaborate with experimental groups at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  This position resides in the Materials Theory Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and use high-throughput first principles methods to describe ion motion in organic materials
• Develop and apply first principles-based Monte Carlo simulations to study the science of synthesis of complex oxides
• Responsible for presenting and reporting key research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of ORNL core values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in computational or theoretical physics, chemistry, materials science, or other closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience with density functional theory methods using Quantum Espresso, VASP, or similar packages

Preferred Qualifications:

• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Scientifically curious, self-motivated, and ability to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrated experience with electronic structure methods for description of materials properties

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. 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.

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position. 

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.