Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Overview

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Starting Date:
Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).

Length of Appointment:
The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.

The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.

• Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
• Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present work at local and national/international scientific conferences.

90% – computational and theoretical research; provide theory support to experiments; document, present, and publish research results.

10% – Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.

• A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
• Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.

• Previous experience in DFT or tight-binding modeling of materials, as evidenced in application materials.
• Previous work experience that required Python programming skills.
• Previous experience that required good communication skills, as evidenced in cover letter and other application materials.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
• At least two letters of recommendation

Qunfei Zhou (qunfei.zhou)

Advertised Salary Range: $58,656 commensurate with experience.

Application Review Begins:
Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Anticipated

Start Date:

Thursday, January 1, 2026.