This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Topological physics in moiré and other 2d systems
The work will entail:
This postdoctoral appointment involves performing theoretical analysis on the electronic properties of 2D systems, including moiré systems and heterostructures with rhombohedral graphene. Tasks include, but are not limited to, computing the impact of the electronic structure's topological properties on quantities such as the magnetotransport, linear and nonlinear optical response, and electronic excitations. The interplay between topology and electronic interactions will also be a focus of this position.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Developing and analyzing models for electronic structure of 2d systems, with a level of detail ranging from that provided by density functional theory, to simplified “toy models”.
- Apply and develop (as needed) linear and nonlinear response formalism to study relevant features of novel systems.
- Develop and apply tools to study electron interactions at a mean field level.
- Interact and collaborate with experimental colleagues.
- Presenting results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
- Participating in writing papers describing the results.
- Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
Qualifications
- A PhD degree in Physics.
- Four or more publications on topological and/or moiré materials.
- Experience with density functional theory packages (Wannier90, Quantum Espresso or equivalent).
- Experience with programming, standard numerical techniques and high-performance computing.
- Strong background in linear and nonlinear response formalism.
- Demonstrated record of publishing in recognized scientific journals.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools, including Origin, Mathematica, and Python.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.