Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Quantum Materials 

Indiana University
Indiana University

Bloomington, IN, USA

Posted on Nov 12, 2026

Posting Details

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Quantum Materials
Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track
Department IU Bloomington Intelligent Systems Engineering
Location Bloomington
Position Summary
The Gao Research Group in the Department of Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington invites applications for a postdoctoral position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics.

Our research primarily uses first-principles methods to study how quantum materials, including low-dimensional, topological, and ferroelectric systems, interact with light. We also employ large-scale atomistic simulations and analytical approaches to investigate material properties and dynamics. Current research directions include nonlinear optical responses and quantum geometry, light-driven lattice dynamics and topological structures in ferroic materials, and AI-accelerated atomistic simulations.

The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to deepen their expertise in computational and theoretical research, develop independent research directions, and strengthen their professional skills for future careers in academia.

We aim to provide a supportive and collaborative research environment that encourages scientific independence, professional development, and the exploration of new research directions.

Specific Job Duties:
  • Developing and conducting research projects
  • Writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Presenting research findings at scientific conferences
  • Collaborating and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
  • Assisting in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications
  • Contributing to collaborative research activities
Basic Qualifications
Required Education:
Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.

Required Experience:
  • Hands-on experience with density functional theory (DFT) calculations for solid-state materials using computational packages such as Quantum Espresso, VASP, or equivalent software
  • Experience in scientific programming and data analysis using Python or comparable programming languages
  • Experience performing computational research using Linux-based high-performance computing (HPC) systems
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research
  • Strong scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving skills
Department Contact for Questions
Questions may be sent to: Dr. Lingyuan Gao (lg12@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with advanced electronic-structure and excited-state methods, such as GW-BSE, TDDFT, electron-phonon coupling, or nonlinear optical response calculations
  • Experience with molecular dynamics simulations (LAMMPS), machine-learning interatomic potentials, or related atomistic modeling techniques
  • Experience with theoretical methods for condensed matter physics, such as tight binding models, low-energy effective Hamiltonians, Hartree–Fock methods, Green’s function methods, and response theory.
  • Research background in light–matter interactions, quantum materials, ferroelectrics, or related fields.
  • Experience in collaborating with researchers from different disciplines.
Salary and Rank
Special Instructions
Applications received by March 1, 2027 will receive full consideration. However, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should review the application requirements and apply online at:
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/35084

We will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Application Materials:
1) CV
2) Cover Letter
3) Contact information for at least 3 references
For Best Consideration Date 03/01/2027
Expected Start Date 08/01/2027
Posting Number IU-101782-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Have you previously been employed with IU?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Letter of Application
  3. List Of References
Optional Documents
See more open positions at Indiana University