Postdoctoral Scholar in Theoretical Chemistry

Position Overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Theoretical Chemistry.

Salary range: $69,073 - $82,836.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: January 1, 2026

Position duration: 2 year position

Open date: October 6, 2025

Next review date: Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Friday, Oct 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications are invited for a full‑time postdoctoral research position in Professor Henrik R. Larsson's Theoretical Chemistry/Computational Physics group at University of California, Merced. The postdoctoral scholar will work on the DOE‑funded Early Career project “Rigorous quantum simulation tools for correlated attosecond electron dynamics in molecules.”

The position will involve developing new methods related to tensor network states (e.g., TD‑DMRG, MCTDH) to simulate correlated attosecond electron dynamics in molecules. Research interests of particular note include attosecond electron/nonadiabatic quantum dynamics, ionization dynamics, methods to describe the electronic continuum, multireference electronic structure, and tensor network states.

Available computational resources include two shared clusters at Merced, computing nodes dedicated to the group, and national supercomputing centers. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to present and engage at international conferences, write journal articles, and assist with mentoring students.

Relevant publications:

• Wahyutama, Larsson, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2024, .4c01185
• Larsson, Mol. Phys, 2024, 10.1080/.2306881
• Larsson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 10.1021/jacs.
  2c06357
• Larsson et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2022, [.1c00957]

Basic qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field. Experience with quantum simulations, programming (Python, Julia, C++, Fortran, etc.), and excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Preferred qualifications: Experience in developing computational methods in theoretical chemistry/physics, especially for attosecond electron dynamics and/or tensor network states.

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Authorization to Release Information Form – The finalist must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining misconduct as defined by the employer. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
• Examples of developed computer code, link to source code repository, or description of developed proprietary code (optional)

Reference requirements: 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: JPF
01998

Merced, CA

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H‑1B visa. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are ineligible for this position.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements, and may be subject to additional requirements imposed by federal, state, or local government directives. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.