Experimental and Theoretical Postdoctoral Research Associates

“Discovering Quantum Anomalies Through Strain”

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (MPA-CINT), National High Magnetic Field – Pulsed Field Facility (MPA-MAGLAB), and Quantum Group (MPA-Q), and the Physics of Condensed Matter and Complex Systems Group (T-4) are seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates to join the “Discovering Quantum Anomalies through Strain” project team at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Experimental positions will interface strongly with the theoreticians in T-4. The large interdisciplinary project combines materials informatics, strain-based characterization, high magnetic fields, and ultrafast optics to quantitatively predict and experimentally isolate signatures of quantum anomalies in condensed matter, through experiments that are unique to LANL experimental capabilities. The postdocs will investigate Dirac semi-metals, a new class of topological quantum materials whose band structure can be tuned using strain.

Three important symmetries that exist in classical field theory are broken when translated to the quantum regime. These are called scale (or “conformal”), axial (or “chiral”), and parity quantum anomalies. This project consists of three topics that combine condensed matter theory and experiment to identify signatures of these anomalies in condensed matter systems: (1) integrated materials informatics-driven synthesis to enhance signatures of quantum anomalies, (2) MEMS-based high magnetic field thermal transport measurements, and (3) dynamic ultrafast optical measurements including time-resolved ARPES.

• IRC111989: The Theory Postdoc(s) will perform work in the T-4 group with access to state-of-the-art materials informatics computational expertise and will develop a complete theoretical framework for interpreting quantum anomalies in Dirac semimetals with impurities and external strains, and predict ways of increasing the magnitude of the quantum anomalies in experiment.

• https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/discovering-quantum-anomalies-through-strain-theoretical-postdoctoral-research-associates/7108d1dd-9151-4f48-a08d-0792bffdd60f

• IRC111992: The Transport and Nanofabrication Postdoc(s) will perform fabrication in the CINT Core Facility Integration Laboratory, a class 100 cleanroom with capabilities for custom wafer-scale MEMS design and fabrication. Devices will be characterized using a suite of capabilities including confocal photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy, electrical transport under high magnetic fields, and ultrafast optical characterization. Cryogenic strain cells will also be employed.

• https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/discovering-quantum-anomalies-through-strain-transport-and-nanofabrication-experimental-postdoctoral-research-associates/924a8ab7-0c88-4ba9-91c4-bac5ca33b98a

• IRC111988: The High Magnetic Field Postdoc(s) will perform work in the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory – Pulsed Field Facility and develop magneto-thermal measurement capabilities using planar nanofabricated MEMS devices in high magnetic fields to optimize thermal gradients and measurements in short time duration pulsed magnets. Additionally, strain dependent high field measurements will be performed on bulk crystals using custom piezoelectric devices.

• https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/discovering-quantum-anomalies-through-strain-experimental-high-magnetic-field-postdoctoral-research-associates/01f552f7-f613-4074-a0cd-966c7c5382ee

• IRC111991: The Ultrafast Optical Characterization Postdoc(s) will aid in the development of time-resolved ARPES capability and will perform work using femto-second pulsed excitation to tune the band dispersion and demonstrate optical and strain control over transport including the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

• https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/discovering-quantum-anomalies-through-strain-ultrafast-optical-characterization-postdoctoral-research-associate/896bce1b-f3b2-4ab3-aadc-f1e8f0248b4f

The successful candidates will contribute to a one-of-a-kind collaborative team environment consisting of accomplished early, mid, and senior career scientists in fabrication of magneto-thermoelectric MEMS platforms, quantum materials synthesis, contacts and device processing, quantum materials theory, strain-tuned transport, high magnetic field experimentation, and ultrafast optical characterization.

Being part of this highly multidisciplinary team, the successful applicant(s) will have the chance to be part of a project with far-reaching implications for quantum effects leading to high profile publications. The success of this project will also contribute to applications in micro-bolometry, THz polarization state control, and robust quantum computing.

Additional information on programs, fellowships, and salary can be found at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicants: A complete application package consists of a Cover Letter, CV, and names of 3 references. Applicants are expected to submit a detailed cover letter addressing their qualifications for the minimum required and desired skills given in the postdoc job ad they apply for. Minimum requirements and desired skills are given in the job ad for each postdoc position: go to https://lanl.jobs, select Search for Vacancies, enter the IRC# given in the job description above.

For further technical information or questions, please contact the project leadership team Dr. Michael Pettes (pettesmt@lanl.gov), Dr. Avfadh Saxena (aavdh@lanl.gov), or Dr. Laurel Stritzinger (lwinter@lanl.gov).

Postdoctoral positions will be physically located in beautiful northern New Mexico at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network Dental and vision insurance Free basic life and disability insurance Paid maternity and parental leave Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually) Learning opportunities and tuition assistance Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays) Onsite gyms and wellness programs Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)  

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.