Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Materials - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookhaven plans to investigate the coherence and entanglement properties of many-body magnetic solid-state systems based on rare earths.  These investigations involve a collaboration between the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) and the Condensed Matter and Materials Science Division and will have two thrusts.  In the first, pulsed laser experimental modalities will be developed to probe the non-equilibrium properties of rare-earth based magnetic chain systems. These modalities will exploit the unusually long lifetimes present in such materials.  In the second, quantum computational modalities informed by quantum information theoretic approaches will be developed to describe the non-equilibrium dynamics of such rare-earth materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to develop and perform novel pump-probe resonant inelastic x-ray scattering measurements on rare earth materials and other quantum materials. This will be interpreted in a friendly and dynamic team environment, including collaboration with theory members of the team and other experimental techniques such as neutron scattering and scanning tunneling microscopy. 

This position will be based at the National Synchrotron Light Source II and will involve working closely with the Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Division. The position will be jointly supervised by Mark Dean and Johnny Pelliciari. The position has a nominal two-year duration with potential for extension for a third year.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Physics or related discipline is required within the last 5 years.
• Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff is required.
• Candidates should have proven ability for disseminating research results by writing manuscripts and giving academic presentations.
• A good understanding of the physics of strongly correlated systems / quantum materials
• Able to work closely and communicate effectively with colleagues focused on other experimental and theoretical techniques
• Strong data analysis skills such programing language such as Python

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in spectroscopic or scattering techniques such as optical spectroscopy, lasers, x-ray scattering, neutron scattering, photoelectron spectroscopy, etc.
• Familiarity with facility proposal submission procedures and effective completion of experiments in fixed time slots using national-scale central facilities.
• Experience with, or motivation to learn, ultrafast laser optical systems, pump-probe experimental techniques, and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Any information pertaining to the environment, health or safety requirements for a position that will be considered when evaluating a candidate.

Other Information:

While principally based at Brookhaven National Laboratory, candidates should be willing to travel to carry out experiments at various national and international facilities.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The salary range for this position is $70,200 - $85,000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group. 

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of the employment.