We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct computational studies of defects in wide-bandgap and ultra-wide-bandgap materials for quantum information applications. The successful candidate will develop and implement computational workflows to predict defect properties and identify promising systems with desired electronic and optical characteristics. Our approach combines density functional theory calculations with cutting-edge machine learning methods to efficiently screen candidate materials and defect configurations. The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of quantum information science, materials physics, and computational design.

The candidate will join a dynamic research team with access to state-of-the-art computational resources and will have opportunities to collaborate with experimental groups to validate computational predictions. This research aims to accelerate the discovery of novel materials for next-generation technologies including quantum information processing, single-photon sources, and optoelectronic devices.

References

“Quantum defects by design”, L. C. Bassett, A. Alkauskas, A. L. Exarhos and K.-M. C. Fu, Nanophotonics 8, 1867 (2019).

"Rational design of efficient defect-based quantum emitters" M.E. Turiansky, K. Parto, G. Moody and C.G. Van de Walle, APL Photonics 9, 066117 (2024)

“First-Principles Calculations of Point Defects for Quantum Technologies”, C. E. Dreyer, A. Alkauskas, J. L. Lyons, A. Janotti and C. G. Van De Walle, Annu. Rev. Mater. Res. 48, 1 (2018).

key words

Quantum defects; Wide-bandgap materials; Density functional theory; Machine learning; Excited states; Computational materials design

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.