Post-Doctoral Associate

Richard James is seeking an theorist for a postdoctoral position on the project "Assessment of Quantum Computing to Improve or Bypass Density Functional Theory". The scientific goals of the project are twofold: 1) To develop methods of simulation for Nonadiabatic Quantum Mechanics based on the basic invariance of quantum mechanics (in particular, to develop the method of "Objective Nonadiabatic Quantum Mechanics"), and 2) To investigate whether the success of recent AI methods for the determination of the exchange-correlation energy give hints as to its exact form. Both cases (1) and (2) can be applied to systems involving just a few electrons and ions. Therefore, a third goal of the research is to investigate whether quantum computing methods could be usefully applied in these cases. In the later stages of this project, it would be desirable to actually write and perform a simulation on a quantum computer related to this research.

Conducting theoretical research in quantum mechanics - 40%
Developing code from scratch related to the main goals of this project - 40%
Working effectively with collaborators at the University of Michigan on this project - 5%
Summarizing the results of this research in publications in a timely manner - 10%
Presenting the results of this research in local and national venues - 5%

Required Qualifications

- Ph.D. in one of the engineering sciences involving mechanics
- A past record of discovery on problems in quantum physics
- Excellent simulation skills
- Excellent organizational, presentation and writing skills
- Demonstrated self-motivation and creativity

Preferred Qualifications

- Background in quantum physics, mathematics and mechanics
- Knowledge of the major ideas behind quantum computing
- Knowledge of non-adiabatic quantum mechanics and theoretical density functional theory

The AEM department has vibrant and active research programs in all areas of aerospace engineering and mechanics, including fluid dynamics, hypersonics, aerospace systems, computational mechanics and aerospace structures and materials. The department is in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota, which is a world-class research university with outstanding resources and programs in engineering and science, health sciences, social sciences and liberal arts. The AEM department has close ties with on-campus multidisciplinary centers, and convenient access to outstanding shared experimental and computational facilities, such as the Gemini-Huntley Robotics Research Laboratory of the Minnesota Robotics Institute, the Minnesota Nano Center, the Characterization Facility, the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. More information about the department is available at https://cse.umn.edu/aem.

Pay Range: $56,484 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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