Postdoctoral Associate​/Research Scientist - Physics

Job Description

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 with the goal of developing a framework for understanding excess energy from defect formation in neutrino detectors. Duties may include supervising and coordinating the work of other researchers and personnel, including graduate and undergraduate students, as well as developing future efforts.

The candidate will be based in Blacksburg, VA, but may need to travel for conference presentations and international collaboration.

The successful candidate will conduct research in computational physics, manage related projects, guide graduate and undergraduate students, and assist in developing future research directions.

• The successful applicant must hold a Ph.D. in physics, materials science, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills reinforced by active listening.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of physics.
• Advanced knowledge of the methods and techniques used for research in computational condensed matter physics.
• Demonstrated experience with first-principles simulation codes such as VASP, Quantum Espresso, Wien2k, or others.
• Demonstrated experience with phonon and exciton calculations and related properties.
• Research Scientist candidates must have previous postdoctoral research experience.

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

Overtime Status:
Exempt (Not eligible for overtime).

Appointment Type:
Restricted.

Salary Information:
Commensurate with experience.

Hours per week: 40 hours – exempt position.

Review Date: 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.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jackie Woodyard at woodyaj during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.