Description:

Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.

1. Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
2. Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
3. May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
4. May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
5. May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
6. Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
7. May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
8. Performs other job-related duties as required.

The eXn Scattering Group, housed in the University of Houston’s Physics Department, uses X-ray synchrotrons and the Linear Coherent Light Source’s X-ray free electron laser to access world-class capabilities for Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS). A major goal of the eXn group is to investigate the complex physics of quantum materials. We are very interested in how the charge, spin, orbital and lattice quantum degrees of freedom interact to produce novel condensed matter phases. Our team focuses on the study of magnetic and electronic excitations in new materials such as unconventional superconductors, 2D magnets. We also studies these materials under operating conditions and under laser-pumped, non-equilibrium conditions.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
We seek a Post-Doctoral Researcher (PDR) to perform Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering (RIXS), optical spectroscopy, photoemission and pump-and-probe RIXS experiments on quantum materials. In addition to ultrahigh resolution RIXS, the project involves conducting ultrafast RIXS experiments to explore non-equilibrium excitations and expose, hopefully, novel quantum behavior. The PDR will participate in the Early Science experiments at the Linear Coherent Light Source-II RIXS endstation to setup instrumentation, conduct experiments and develop data analysis methods. The PDR will work in close collaboration with LCLS-II staff and eXn graduate students. Experimental results will be interpreted in an interdisciplinary environment including experimentalists and theorists.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering synchrotron experiments in the LCLS-II qRIXS Early Science program
• Perform photo-luminescence and pump-and-probe spectroscopy at the University of Houston
• Contribute to the development of ultrafast RIXS techniques (present at the LCLS-II X-ray free electron laser) to perform experiments on quantum materials
• Develop experiments on static RIXS and ultrafast RIXS on 2D magnets
• Develop and Perform Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering synchrotron experiments on materials of high scientific interest
• Report scientific results in peer-reviewed academic journals and talks.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• PhD. in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Photonics or related field of research awarded within the last 5 years or will have completed all PhD. requirements by the commencement of employment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a part of a multi-institutional team.
• Ability to interact effectively in a team environment with a diverse group of scientists, and technical staff
• A good understanding of the physics of quantum materials and 2D materials
• Demonstrated data analysis skills
• Proven ability to disseminate research results by writing manuscripts and giving academic presentations
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Experience in synchrotron-based soft X-ray techniques, ultra-high vacuum instrumentation, optical spectroscopy and/or pump and probe techniques
• Experience in X-ray absorption (XAS) and scattering techniques, such as RIXS, light scattering, photoelectron spectroscopy
• Experience with lab-standard sample preparation and characterization techniques including transport, single crystal diffraction, and optical spectroscopy
• Experience in femtosecond laser operation and laser pumping experiments.
• Good programming skills in Python or similar languages

MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job-related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. No experience is required.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.