Description

Position Overview

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Starting Date: Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).

Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.

GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.

Job Description

Job Duties:

• Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
• Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting work at local and national/international scientific conferences.

Specific Job Duties (percentage of time)

90% - computational and theoretical research. Provide theory support to experiments. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results
10% - Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.

Required Qualifications

Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process.

1. A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
2. Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
• At least two letters of recommendation

Application review begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.