Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Materials
Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum MaterialsApplication Window
Open date: December 9, 2024
Next review date: Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Baumbach Group in the Physics Department at the University of California Santa Cruz, invites applications for the position, Postdoctoral Scholar in Quantum Materials Design, Synthesis, and Characterization. We are focused on the physics of quantum materials, with an emphasis on emergent structural, magnetic and electronic states that derive from transition metal, lanthanide and actinide elements. We follow an approach based on: (i) development of design principles; (ii) crystal growth methods; and (iii) elucidation of phenomena using scattering, electronic, and thermodynamic probes.
In this role, and under the supervision of Associate Professor Ryan Baumbach, you will develop emerging families of strongly correlated electron and topological materials, driving both in-house projects and international collaborations, and you will contribute to the advancement of science in society (e.g., by participating in outreach and in public forums).
This position’s duties will include the following.
- Synthesize polycrystal and singe crystal specimens using a variety of crystal growth methods: e.g., molten metal flux, Bridgman, chemical vapor transport, solid state reaction.
- Perform X-ray scattering measurements to characterize crystal structures.
- Perform magnetic susceptibility, electrical transport, and heat capacity over a wide range of temperatures, magnetic fields, and pressures. This will be done in-house (e.g., using Quantum Design PPMS and MPMS) or at user facilities such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
- Develop toolkits using Python or Origin to analyze experimental data.
- Develop methods to aggregate data in order to identify trends in families of materials.
- Collaborate with other research teams and scientists.
- Assist with mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and citizen scientists.
- Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to collaborative publications and contribute to writing grants and proposals.
- Present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and at regular group meetings.
- Contribute positively to the active research culture.
- Uphold a culture of safety and promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) practices in your daily work.
Applicants with experience in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Experience of intermetallic materials synthesis methods.
- Experience with low temperature, high pressure, and high magnetic field experimental techniques.
- Experience with X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis methods.
- Strong time management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
Baumbach Group: https://baumbachlab.sites.ucsc.edu/
UCSC Physics Department: https://www.physics.ucsc.edu/
Qualifications
- PhD (or equivalent foreign degree) in physics, materials science, chemistry or a related science discipline. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of appointment.
- Experience performing independent hands-on work in both materials synthesis and characterization.
- Experience with advanced data analysis software such as Origin, MATLAB, or Python-based tools.
- Experience with simultaneously managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
- Record of scientific publications.
- Experience with mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and citizen scientists.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include your publications.
Cover Letter - One page maximum.
Statement of Research - Two page maximum.
- 2 letters of reference required
Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation*. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.
*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.
Help contact: rbaumbac@ucsc.edu
About UC Santa Cruz
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.
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