Modeling linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopy of solution phase systems using dynamic approaches (correlation functions/cumulant expansion). This position will involve developing and testing new spectroscopic methods, running molecular dynamics simulations, and performing TDDFT excited state calculations. (Christine Isborn and Liang Shi groups)

Modeling light-induced degradation in organic photovoltaics. This project involves the use of TDDFT and GW/Bethe-Salpeter approaches to calculate atomic motions after light absorption in photovoltaic materials to investigate how light can form defects and cause degradation of electronic and optical properties. (David Strubbe group)

Using data science methods to model and gain insight into excited states and TDDFT electron dynamics. In particular, this project will use deep learning methods such as recurrent neural networks to predict electron dynamics and will apply interpretability methods, such as equation discovery and sensitivity analysis, to also yield interpretable approximations of potentials. (Christine Isborn and Harish Bhat groups)

Using data science methods such as memory-constrained auto-encoders to determine an optimal subspace (projection operator) for nonadiabatic dynamics. (Harish Bhat group)

Analysis and development of finite-temperature strictly correlated electron-referenced density functional theory, via formal derivations, numerical demonstrations, and analytical studies. (Pribram-Jones group)

Using real-time electronic structure methods to investigate the importance of approximate and exact exchange-correlation in laser-molecule interactions. (Pribram-Jones group)

The applicant should indicate the research areas of interest within the Cover Letter.

Duties will include: running calculations using standard and non-standard ab initio and QM/MM codes, modifying and developing code as needed, writing scripts to analyze data, writing journal articles on developed methods and results of calculations, communicating effectively with colleagues, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and attending conferences to present results.

The minimum qualifications required for this position is a recent Ph.D. in theoretical chemistry or physics (or a closely related field); for projects with Prof. Bhat, a Ph.D. in applied math, computer science, statistics (or a closely related field) is required.

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae and 3) a statement of research interests and 4) a contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

*The contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience, activities and future plans to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, in alignment with UC Merced’s mission to reflect the diversity of California and to meet the educational needs and interests of its diverse population. Some candidates may not have substantial past activities. If that is the case, we recommend focusing on future plans in your statement. Guidance on what to include in a diversity statement may be found here.

Review of applications will begin on 10/9/2019; this search will be open until the position is filled with a final closing date of 9/14/2020.

Salary is based on the University of California Academic Salary Scales. This is a full-time, one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal based on availability of funding, ongoing operational needs and satisfactory performance.

The University of California, Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. The University is supportive of dual career couples.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students (https://www.ucmerced.edu/fast-facts), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

For more information, please contact Christine Isborn (cisborn@ucmerced.edu) Liang Shi (lshi4@ucmerced.edu) David Strubbe (dstrubbe@ucmerced.edu) Aurora Pribram-Jones (apj@ucmerced.edu) or Harish Bhat (hbhat@ucmerced.edu).