Job Details

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Materials Science and Engineering - UTK

Position Number: 6149033
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Science - Physics

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Materials Science and Engineering - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 2656
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 04/16/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1508 Middle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Tennessee Knoxville

Scope of the project: The goal of the project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences, is to develop a magnetic-field-pump neutron-probe scheme at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) of Oak Ridge National Lab. Such development of neutron scattering with time resolution will unlock experiments beyond the capabilities of existing instrumentation and benefit users across diverse research communities. Our focus is on studying quantum tunneling-assisted spin dynamics in correlated magnets, including classical spin liquid, spin glasses, and domain-wall dynamics. Through the exploration of momentum-dependence of quantum-tunneling-assisted spin dynamics, this project seeks to bridge extensive theoretical knowledge with experimental results that are currently limited.

Responsibilities
The specific tasks associated to the project including the following. (1) To build the customized sample environment at Helium-4 and sub-Kelvin temperatures; (2) To prepare and characterize bulk crystals for neutron experiments and their complementary measurements; (3) To lead facility-based neutron experiments, including writing beamtime proposals and performing measurements, and analyzing data; (4) If applicable, to perform modeling of the time-dependent neutron scattering spectrum under collaboration with theoretical and computational collaborators.

Qualifications
Requirement: Ph.D. degree in Physics, Materials Science, or related areas. Candidates with one or more of the following backgrounds will be given priorities:

Neutron scattering
Cryogenic instrumentation
Extensive experience with numerical modeling

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers competitive benefits. More information is found: https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/insurance/

Salary: $63,500 per year or above. Starting date: As early as 6/1/2025.

Contact: Prof. Yishu Wang, Assistant Professor of MSE and Physics, wangyishu@utk.edu

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2656/?mode=location