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 the areas of computational physics with the goal to develop 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 successful candidate will be based in Blacksburg, VA, but may be required to travel for conference presentations and international collaboration. Successful candidates at the Research Scientist level will have additional responsibilities with mentoring junior group members, as well as assisting the PIs with grant proposals.

The successful candidate will be expected to interact with the broader quantum community at Virginia Tech, which includes the Center for Neutrino Physics, the Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (vtq.vt.edu), the Center of Quantum Architecture and Software Development within the VT Innovation Campus, as well as the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), of which Virginia Tech is a member.

• The successful applicant must hold a Ph.D. in physics, material science, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that are reinforced by active listening skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of physics.
• Advanced knowledge of the methods and techniques used for research in computational condensed matter physics.
• Demonstrated experience of 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.

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.

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