Postdoctoral Associate, Computational Condensed Matter / Materials Physics, UMKC School of Science and Engineering

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Science and Engineering

Physics and Astronomy

UMKC is rated R1 by the Carnegie Research Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The University of Missouri - Kansas City invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in computational condensed matter and materials physics. The successful candidate will lead theory/modeling efforts on semiconductor fabrication and bonding simulations, working closely with Prof. Paul Rulis. The position offers access to state-of-the-art high-performance computing resources and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute computational studies using first-principles and/or atomistic methods (e.g., DFT and classical/ab initio MD).
• Develop and apply workflow automation and data/pipeline tools for high-throughput screening and data generation.
• Analyze structure-property relationships and generate testable predictions to guide experiments.
• Write manuscripts, present at conferences, and contribute to proposals and reports.
• Maintain reproducible code and documentation (version control, unit tests, containers).
• Co-mentor graduate/undergraduate researchers and contribute to group seminars.

This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit eligible, unranked academic position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Physics, or a related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated research experience in computational condensed matter/materials (e.g., electronic structure, lattice dynamics, defects, transport, magnetism, excitations).
• Proficiency with at least one major simulation package (e.g., VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, ABINIT, GPAW, WIEN2k, LAMMPS, CP2K, OLCAO).
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Perl, and Fortran), scripting, and Linux HPC workflows (job schedulers).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with beyond-DFT methods (e.g., GW/BSE, DMFT, QMC) or machine-learning interatomic potentials (e.g., GAP, SNAP, DeePMD, MACE, NequIP).
• Familiarity with workflow frameworks (e.g., ASE, pymatgen, custodian, FireWorks, atomate, AiiDA, AFLOW) and databases (Materials Project, OQMD, NOMAD).
• Background in phonons/thermal transport, spin textures/magnetism, defects and dopants, electrocatalysis, or interfaces/heterostructures.
• Good software engineering practices (Git, CI, containers, reproducible environments) and data stewardship (FAIR principles).
• Experience collaborating with experimentalists and translating predictions into measurements.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Applicants need to apply at https://www.umkc.edu/. Please upload the following:

• Cover letter (1-2 pages) summarizing research interests, relevant experience, and fit to the position.
• Curriculum vitae including publications and contact information.
• Research statement (up to 3 pages) highlighting key achievements and proposed work.
• Code/sample or software portfolio (optional but encouraged; include GitHub links).
• Contact information for 2-3 references (no letters at initial stage; we will request letters for finalists).

If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu

For questions about the position, contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu, including the Job ID and the name of the position.

Handling of Application Materials

After initial review by the committee all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective home department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Resources and environment:

• Access to university HPC clusters and cloud resources.
• Opportunities to collaborate with the Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy and external partners.
• Professional development support for career planning, mentoring, and grant writing.

For more information about the UMKC School of Science and Engineering, please visit:https://sse.umkc.edu and https://sse.umkc.edu/profiles/rulis-paul.html

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.