Postdoctoral Associate​/Research Scientist - Physics

The Virginia Tech Physics Department invites applications for one postdoctoral associate/research scientist to work with Dr. Vsevolod Ivanov and Dr. Patrick Huber on the Quantum Sensing of Neutrinos (QuSen) project sponsored by DARPA. The successful candidate will conduct research in computational physics, developing a framework to understand excess energy from defect formation in neutrino detectors. Responsibilities include supervising and coordinating the work of other researchers and personnel, including graduate and undergraduate students, and developing future efforts.

The position is based in Blacksburg, VA, but travel may be required for conference presentations and international collaboration.

Successful candidates at the Research Scientist level will have additional responsibilities, including mentoring junior group members and assisting the PIs with grant proposals.

The successful candidate will interact with the broader quantum community at Virginia Tech, including the Center for Neutrino Physics, the Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering, the Center of Quantum Architecture and Software Development within the VT Innovation Campus, and QED-C.

• Ph.D. in physics, material science, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication and active listening skills.
• Advanced knowledge of physics principles.
• Advanced knowledge of computational condensed matter physics methods and techniques.
• Experience with first-principles simulation codes such as VASP, Quantum Espresso, Wien2k, or others.
• Experience with phonon and exciton calculations and related properties.
• Postdoctoral research experience (for Research Scientist candidates).

• Knowledge of simulating solid state defects, including formation processes with nudged elastic band, molecular dynamics, or related methods.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime.

Restricted.

Commensurate with experience.

40 hours - exempt position.

10/25/2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.