Postdoctoral Researcher

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Starting Date: Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).

Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.

GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.

Job Duties:

• Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
• Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting work at local and national/international scientific conferences.

Specific Job Duties (percentage of time)

90% - computational and theoretical research. Provide theory support to experiments. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results
10% - Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.

Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process.

1. A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
2. Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

1. Previous experience in DFT or tight-binding modeling of materials, as evidenced in application materials..
2. Previous work experience that required Python programming skills, as evidenced in application materials.
3. Previous experience that required good communication skills, as evidenced in cover letter and other application materials.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
• At least two letters of recommendation

Application review begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Qunfei Zhou (qunfei.zhou@ku.edu)

$58,656 commensurate with experience

Saturday November 1, 2025

Thursday January 1, 2026