Senior researcher

Project
PREP0004352

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking
qualified candidates to perform theoretical and computational studies of heat transport in nanoscale
thermal junctions, including thin semiconductor films. This position centers on advancing nanoscale
heat-transport science and converting it into practical engineering outcomes. The work is fast-paced,
collaborative, and integrated with ongoing research across a premier federal research institution.

Theoretical and Computational Studies of Heat Transport (CHIPS Funded Project)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A PhD in solid state physics or related field.
  • Expertise in using molecular dynamics to simulate heat transport in crystalline solids.
  • Expertise in calculating atomic vibrational properties using density functional theory.
  • Expertise in parameterizing and using BTE to study heat transport in nanostructures.

Other Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience with finite element modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL).
  • Experience in electron band structure calculations for semiconductors.
  • Interest in applying Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence to predict heat transport
    properties.
  • Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizen Preferred
Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Design and perform molecular dynamics simulations of heat transport in nanoscale
    semiconductors.
  • Characterize vibrational properties of atoms in crystals using density functional theory.
  • Parameterize and solve Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) to describe heat transport.
  • Use theoretical knowledge of solid state physics to interpret simulated data.
  • Work independently to address scientific challenges and contribute to reports, manuscripts,
    and conference presentations.
NIST Sponsor
Alex Smolyanitsky
Group
Thermodynamics Research Center Group
Salary / Hourly Rate {Min}
$103,000.00
Schedule of Appointment
Full time
Start Date
Sponsor email
alex.smolyanitsky@nist.gov
Work Location
Onsite NIST (Boulder, CO)
Salary / Hourly rate {Max}
$106,500.00
Total Hours per week
40
End Date
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