Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

21h • $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Computational Researcher to join the Del Maestro group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to work on challenging problems in quantum materials at the interface of condensed matter, quantum chemistry, and materials science and engineering. The candidate will utilize advanced computational methods on high-performance computing infrastructure including classical and quantum Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, and ab initio methods.

Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field completed no later than 08/01/2026.
• Experience: An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Strong verbal and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members, including experimental collaborators.
• Familiarity with atomistic (e.g. molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo) and/or ab initio (e.g. density functional theory) computational tools.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: High performance computing (e.g. slurm or other workload managers).
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

• Experience: Research experience in artificial intelligence for quantum systems/materials.

Responsibilities

• Utilize advanced computational frameworks to model complex physical interactions and transport phenomena.
• Simulate materials and account for fundamental physical effects under a range of environmental conditions.
• Leverage modern computational techniques, including data-driven and machine learning models, to accurately represent atomic-level interactions and behaviors.
• Analyze large-scale simulation data to extract key dynamic properties, and material performance metrics.
• Work with, validate, and help maintain proprietary in-house software tools and computational infrastructure.
• Collaborate with team members to apply specialized expertise toward solving complex modeling challenges.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics in scientific research.

Benefits

• Maximum moving allowance: $2,500
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree