A full-time postdoctoral research position is available which will be co-advised by Prof. Beth Nowadnick (UC Merced) and Dr. Sinéad Griffin (LBNL). The control and design of the behavior of single spins in solid-state hosts is key for both next-generation low-power electronics and for quantum information science. An emerging route is to look at the manipulation of single spins in complex oxides, which offer a vast design space through symmetry and ligand-field engineering. This position will focus on ferroelectric oxides doped with dilute concentrations of magnetic impurity atoms as a novel platform for electric-field based manipulation of isolated spins. By exploring magnetocrystalline anisotropy energies experienced by magnetic dopant atoms in perovskite and hexagonal ferroelectrics, this project will aim to determine how the preferred spin directionality changes during electric field- or strain-based polarization manipulation. The position will investigate the fundamental limits of symmetry, chemistry and strain control of single-spin manipulation in oxides.

In the context of this position, the postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant materials research communities both at University California, Merced and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which are two-hours driving time apart. In addition to co-mentorship between two theory groups, the postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work closely with experimental collaborators who are experts in the synthesis and characterization of ferroelectric oxides.

Beth Nowadnick is an assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at University of California, Merced. She leads a computational materials physics research group, for more information: [https://sites.ucmerced.edu/bnowadnick].

Dr. Sinéad Griffin is a staff scientist in the Materials Science Division and the Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. For more information on her research group, see https://sineadgriffin.com/

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to perform and analyze density functional theory calculations, actively participate in regular meetings with collaborators, prepare manuscripts and presentations, present his/her work at conferences, and assist with mentoring graduate students.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: . All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, or a related field. Experience with density functional theory calculations and excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Demonstrated interest in collaborating with experimentalists is preferred.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from all qualified applicants, including women, minorities, veterans, and individual with disabilities, who will enrich the teaching, research and public service missions of the university. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy .

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students .

UC Merced is a smoke & tobacco free campus .