Post Doctoral Fellow, College of Sciences, Physics and Astronomy - University of Texas at San Antonio : Job Details

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The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

In 2024, the UT System Board of Regents authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: This position will remain open until filled. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: Up to $65,000 annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:

* Resume is required.

* Cover letter is preferred.

* List of peer-reviewed publications.

* Three letters of reference are required and can be emailed directly to [email protected] preferably in a single .pdf file.

Essential Functions

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in the USA. In this role, you will perform computational studies aimed at developing atomistic models and perform simulations for the electronic and optical properties of Fission Products (FP) in Uranium Nitride (UN) nanostructures using Density Functional Theory (DFT)-based calculations. This project will be developed in collaboration with two scientific groups in the University of Texas El Paso (Theory) and the Idaho National Laboratory (Experiment). The main goal is to advance the state of knowledge for FP behavior in advanced reactors fuels, particularly UN.

This is a grant-funded position with expected funding for 1 year. This position may be extended based on availability of funds and departmental need.

Required Qualifications

* A Ph.D. in theoretical or computational chemistry or closely related field in physics, physical chemistry or chemical physics completed within the last four years. Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than four years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

* Knowledge of high-performance computing, density functional theory, and scientific programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++ and/or Matlab).

* Experience with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, particularly DFT+U (e.g., VASP, SIESTA, etc.) and Time-Dependent Density Functional (TDDFT) calculations (e.g. ADF, Octopus), classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations or MD simulations based on DFT theory (e.g., Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS).

* Demonstrated ability to publish research.

* Effective oral and written communication skills.

* Ability to work independently and in collaboration with professional staff both within and outside LCNT-UTSA Lab.

* Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

* Unix/Linux operative system knowledge at administrator level would be a plus.

Additional Information

* UTSA is a tobacco free campus.

* This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

* Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Working Conditions

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.