Post Doctoral Fellow

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Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

The Department of Physics of Northern Illinois University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in computational condensed matter theory. The successful applicants will start in the Spring 2025 semester and work on the project entitled “In‑situ vortex manipulation and trapped flux removal in superconducting electronic devices”, funded by Army Research Laboratory within the basic‑research program “Foundation of Superconducting Digital Logic”.

The project is a collaborative effort between research groups located at Northern Illinois University (NIU), the University of Notre Dame, Argonne National Laboratory, The University of Bath (UK), and University of Antwerp (Belgium), respectively.

The efforts at NIU are led by Prof. Andreas Glatz and involves seven PIs in total. The theoretical/computation aspects of the research include large‑scale numerical simulations and theoretical analysis of vortex dynamics in patterned superconducting films.

The goal is to develop efficient methods to remove trapped flux from superconducting electronic circuits.

Under the supervision of the NIU senior faculty and theory PIs of the project, the successful postdoctoral scholar will work on the theory and simulation of the dynamical processes in complex superconducting heterostructure relevant for superconducting digital logic devices. The obtained simulation results will be analyzed and verified with experimental observations in collaboration with the experimentalist in the project.

The main focus is on the study of the dynamics of superconducting magnetic vortices and their control. A strong computational background is essential for the position.

Research results should be prepared for publication in appropriate scientific journals.

The conducted research will enhance the scholar’s professional skill and research training to pursue his/her chosen career path.

• Large‑scale simulation and theoretical study of magnetic vortices in complex superconducting heterostructures. The foundational theory underlying the simulations are the time‑dependent Ginzburg‑Landau equations coupled to heat‑diffusion equations.

• Find methods and protocols for the effective flux removal from these structures using external control parameters.

• Prepare manuscripts based on research results for publication in scientific journals.

• Ph.D. in condensed matter theory or related field is required. Candidates who are nearing completion of their Ph.D. will also be given full consideration.
• Important qualifications required for a successful research outcome include experience in numerical techniques and large‑scale simulations of physics‑related models, proficiency in C++, CUDA, and python.

• Good understanding of physics of vortices in superconductors is a plus.
• The Department of Physics at Northern Illinois University is committed to diversifying its research staff and encourages applications from women and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.

Anticipated Appointment

Start Date:

03/01/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date: 01/31/2026

Percent of Staff Year: 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50

Working Hours:

8:00 am‑4:30 pm Monday‑Friday, one‑hour lunch

Salary: $60,000.00 for 12 months

Hourly or Semi‑monthly Pay Rate/Range: $2,500.00 Semi‑Monthly

• Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV, a publication list and arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted.
• Please contact Andreas Glatz (aglatz) with questions about the positions.
• Applications will be reviewed when received and applications received by March 7th, 2025 will receive full consideration.
• Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered provided that the position is still open.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal…