Job Description

Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Materials
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individuals Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See the salary scale titled, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee /Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow / Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct -Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $66,737 - $71,769.

Percent time: Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.

Position duration: Maximum Duration of Service in a Postdoctoral Title- Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time and the initial appointment is for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of reappointment. The total duration of an individuals postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution.

Application Window

Open date: December 9, 2024

Next review date: Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The Baumbach Group in the Physics Department at the University of California Santa Cruz, invites applications for the position, Postdoctoral Scholar in Quantum Materials Design, Synthesis, and Characterization. We are focused on the physics of quantum materials, with an emphasis on emergent structural, magnetic and electronic states that derive from transition metal, lanthanide and actinide elements. We follow an approach based on: (i) development of design principles; (ii) crystal growth methods; and (iii) elucidation of phenomena using scattering, electronic, and thermodynamic probes.

In this role, and under the supervision of Associate Professor Ryan Baumbach, you will develop emerging families of strongly correlated electron and topological materials, driving both in-house projects and international collaborations, and you will contribute to the advancement of science in society (e.g., by participating in outreach and in public forums).

This positions duties will include the following.
Synthesize polycrystal and singe crystal specimens using a variety of crystal growth methods: e.g., molten metal flux, Bridgman, chemical vapor transport, solid state reaction.
Perform X-ray scattering measurements to characterize crystal structures.
Perform magnetic susceptibility, electrical transport, and heat capacity over a wide range of temperatures, magnetic fields, and pressures. This will be done in-house (e.g., using Quantum Design PPMS and MPMS) or at user facilities such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Develop toolkits using Python or Origin to analyze experimental data.
Develop methods to aggregate data in order to identify trends in families of materials.
Collaborate with other research teams and scientists.
Assist with mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and citizen scientists.
Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to collaborative publications and contribute to writing grants and proposals.
Present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and at regular group meetings.
Contribute positively to the active research culture.
Uphold a culture of safety and promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) practices in your daily work.
Applicants with experience in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
Experience of intermetallic materials synthesis methods.
Experience with low temperature, high pressure, and high magnetic field experimental techniques.
Experience with X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis methods.
Strong time management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Baumbach Group: https://baumbachlab.sites.ucsc.edu/

UCSC Physics Department: https://www.physics.ucsc.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)
PhD (or equivalent foreign degree) in physics, materials science, chemistry or a related science discipline. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of appointment.
Experience performing independent hands-on work in both materials synthesis and characterization.
Experience with advanced data analysis software such as Origin, MATLAB, or Python-based tools.
Experience with simultaneously managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
Record of scientific publications.
Experience with mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and citizen scientists.
Application Requirements

Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include your publications.
Cover Letter - One page maximum.
Statement of Research - Two page maximum.
Reference requirements
2 letters of reference required
Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation*. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSCs confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.
Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01848

Help contact: rbaumbac@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the Universitys equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://compliance.ucsc.edu/campus-safety-compliance/annual-reports/. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website at https://www.hercjobs.org/regions/higher-ed-careers-northern-california/ to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance. For information about employee benefits please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz: https://www.ucsc.edu

Job location

Santa Cruz, CA

To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01848