Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Magnetic Materials

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help advance our understanding of quantum magnetic materials through materials synthesis and characterization. Research will involve growth of single crystals and measurements to understand their structural and physical properties including magnetism and thermal transport, as well as helping to identify new magnetic materials that may serve as model systems displaying quantum behaviors. It will also provide opportunities for collaboration with quantum computing efforts within the Quantum Science Center, guiding and experimentally validating simulations efforts for quantum spin systems.

This position resides in the Correlated Electron Materials Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at ORNL, and provides the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds, including condensed matter theorists and experimentalists performing materials synthesis, device fabrication, and neutron scattering, and other advanced characterization.

The position is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, Quantum Science Center. The Quantum Science Center (QSC) is headquartered at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which is managed by UT‑Battelle for the DOE Office of Science. By uniting national laboratories, academic institutions and industry partners, the QSC is endeavoring to advance American innovation and global leadership by enhancing the computational robustness, algorithmic scalability and simulation accuracy of quantum computing systems.

For more information, visit qscience.org.

• Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects involving synthesis and characterization of bulk materials to understand structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. This includes identifying candidate materials and developing ideas for tuning them toward interesting ground states and behaviors.
• Lead the writing of research papers resulting from your work with support from the group and collaborators, and present research results at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers outside of our group from diverse backgrounds, within and external to ORNL, including condensed matter theorists and scientists performing device design and fabrication, microscopy, spectroscopy, and neutron scattering.
• Help maintain lab space and equipment including Quantum Design measurement systems.
• Work safely and independently within a supportive group setting.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• PhD in physics, applied physics, material science, chemistry, chemical or electrical engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years.
• Background in experimental materials physics research, including materials synthesis and laboratory-based characterization of physical properties (magnetic, transport, crystallographic, thermal, optical).

• Experience with bulk single crystal growth of inorganic materials.
• Understanding of crystal growth mechanisms and the underlying materials design principles that guide the synthesis of quantum materials.
• Skilled in characterization and analysis of magnetic and thermal transport properties.
• Experience operating and maintaining Quantum Design instruments.
• Familiarity with the health and safety hazards associated with an experimental condensed matter laboratory that houses an extensive synthesis effort.
• Publication record demonstrating an ability to effectively and efficiently report scientific results.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

Applicants…