Postdoctoral Positions

Dedman College is accepting the following applications for postdoctoral positions to begin January 2024/Fall 2024:

Chemistry. Position Nos. 00052467 and 00054980. The Matthews Research Group in Southern Methodist University’s Department of Chemistry focuses on using and developing accurate theoretical methods to study molecules, reactions, clusters, and extended systems, and is a member of the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry program and the SMU Center for Research Computing. We specialize in ab initio methods based on quantum mechanics, combining concepts and techniques from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. In particular, we are looking for postdocs to participate in funded projects related to computational soft x-ray spectroscopy using equation-of-motion coupled cluster techniques and reduced- scaling coupled cluster methods for high accuracy/low cost theormochemistry and excited state electronic structure calculations, using SMU’s state-of-the-art ManeFrame III and NVIDIA SuperPOD computing systems. Qualified candidates from multiple backgrounds (e.g. chemistry, physics, computer science, mathetics) are welcome to apply and should have expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: QM/MM embedding (esp. ASEC/APEC) and quantum embedding methods. Theoretical development of coupled cluster methods, analytic gradients, density fitting (or RI/CD) methods, or other related techniques. Computational x-ray spectroscopy and dynamics. Tensor factorization, non-linear optimization, and/or machine learning. High-accuracy thermochemistry and kinetics. High-performance computing (esp. GPGPU). Candidates should submit a cover letter which includes the candidate’s research background and interests and a current CV via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/131046) and arrange for two letters of recommendation. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Chemistry.  Position Nos. 00052516 and 00053660. The Zoltowski lab at Southern Methodist University is a highly interdisciplinary research group focused on using a combination of biophysical, cell biology, chemical, and theoretical approaches to interrogate complex biological networks regulating sensing and adaptation to environmental variables. Our particular focus is on members of the Light- Oxygen-Voltage and Cryptochrome protein families that regulate circadian rhythms or are involved in magnetoreception in migratory organisms. We are currently looking for well qualified postdoctoral researchers interested in working on diverse projects ranging from structural biology, computational biology, and drug discovery. Qualified candidates from multiple backgrounds (e.g. chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics) are welcome to apply and should have expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: Experience expressing proteins in insect or mammalian cell culture. Experience with structural biology techniques such as, crystallography, Cryo-EM, NMR, spectroscopy, HDX-MS. Experience using molecular dynamic simulations to interrogate allostery. Molecular and/or cell biology experience with drug screening assays, including, but not limited to Fluorescence Polarization, high-throughput screening, alphascreen. Extensive protein biochemistry and molecular biology experience. Optogenetics Candidates should submit a cover letter which includes the candidate’s research background and interests and a current CV via Interfolio and arrange for two letters of recommendation via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/131197).

Physics. Position No. 00054974. The Department of Physics invites applications for an opportunity to join the ATLAS team as a postdoctoral researcher. SMU Dallas has an active ATLAS group with interests in Higgs boson physics and Higgs-sector-related searches, as well as a presence in detector upgrade work in the Liquid Argon Calorimeter, the Pixel Detector, and trigger and data acquisition. A successful candidate would be expected to play a major role in the search for pair-produced Higgs bosons, as well as to contribute to detector upgrade work, such as firmware development. We welcome candidates seeking an inclusive and dynamic team. Minimum qualifications: completed requirements for a doctoral degree in physics or related field by start date; Experience in particle physics research with the ATLAS or CMS detectors at the LHC. Preferred qualifications: interest in making significant contributions to graduate programs and mentorship of students; research which has led to publication in refereed journals, and/or international venues; experience in VHDL/Verilog; Position start date will be determined with the successful candidate.  Application: Applications must be submitted via interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/130848) and should include a research statement highlighting the candidate’s qualifications, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin September 30. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by September 30, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of the employment decision after the position is filled. Department: The Department of Physics is a forward thinking community of scholars and professionals. Visit us at http://smu.edu/physics/.

Physics.  Position No. 00053766.The Cosmology and Astrophysics group at Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks to hire an outstanding postdoctoral research fellow in cosmology with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). The successful applicant will carry out original research and play an important role in the analysis of DESI data.  Opportunities to make substantial original contributions are high.  DESI science includes a broad and exciting menu of measurements that will collectively provide the most sensitive probe of the expansion history of the universe over the redshift range 0<z<3.5.  The successful applicant will also take a strong role in DESI Operations. DESI is a Stage IV dark energy spectroscopic survey utilizing 5000 robotically positioned fibers on the Mayall 4 m at Kitt Peak National Observatory.  DESI is currently in Year 3 of an initial 5 year survey which will gather an unprecedented sample of almost 40 million galaxy spectra, each covering 360 - 980 nm.  Primary goals are to extract strong cosmological constraints from baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and redshift space distortion (RSD) measurements.  These are complemented by a host of other sensitive astrophysical and cosmological studies.  Survey sensitivity relies on the optimal and efficient operation of the telescope. The Cosmology & Astrophysics group at SMU is currently strongly involved on DESI in science analysis via the simulations of mock galaxy catalogs to support BAO and RSD measurements.  We focus on halo occupation and semi-analytic modeling of emission line galaxies and quasars to produce high fidelity mocks. More broadly, the SMU astrophysics and cosmology effort also includes CMB cosmology, line intensity mapping at high redshift, supernova cosmology at low redshift, and transient science with Simons Observatory, CMB-S4, COMAP, FYST, ROTSE and others.  Our department also hosts a strong experimental and theoretical particle physics effort at LHC, Fermilab and the EIC. We seek a highly motivated applicant who has obtained, or is about to obtain, a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy or related fields.  Experience with cosmology, galactic astronomy and/or spectroscopy is highly valued.  Software development experience is a plus. For further information, contact Prof. Robert Kehoe (kehoe@physics.smu.edu).  Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications resulting from significant contributions, a description of research interests and skills including a brief description of mentoring experience, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/138308. Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2024.  To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by March 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. 

Physics.  Position No. 00054860. Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher in the SuperCDMS group at Southern Methodist University (SMU). The SuperCDMS collaboration is in the process of building and deploying an experiment for the direct detection of dark matter. The experiment is under construction in SNOLAB, which is located in Sudbury, Ontario. When completed, the experiment will have an initial payload of about 30 kg will be a mix of germanium and silicon targets in the form of both background discriminating iZIP and low-threshold HV detectors, pushing the sensitivity towards WIMPs with even lower masses and improving the cross-section reach of SuperCDMS by more than an order of magnitude. In addition to the construction of the main experiment, the SuperCDMS collaboration is using the Cryogenic Underground TEst (CUTE) facility at SNOLAB to test and characterize SuperCDMS detectors. The low background of the CUTE facility in combination with the exceptional energy resolution of SuperCDMS detectors allows for competitive dark matter searches to be performed. The successful candidate will be stationed at SNOLAB in Sudbury, ON, Canada and is expected to work closely with the SuperCDMS group at SNOLAB on the experiment construction and commissioning. In addition, it is expected that the successful candidate will also participate in the detector operations at the CUTE facility and in analysis of data taken from the CUTE facility which is located in SNOLAB. Minimum qualifications: completed requirements for a doctoral degree in physics or related field by May 31, 2024. This position will require the successful candidate to work underground and to exhibit: moderate physical exertion and manual dexterity, ability to walk long distances in an industrial setting, ability to ascend/descend ladders, and ability to assemble equipment/experiments.

This position requires a Ph.D. in physics or a related field. We welcome candidates seeking an inclusive and dynamic team. Women and individuals from underrepresented populations in Physics are strongly encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications: Experience working in the direct detection of dark matter or related fields such as experimental high energy physics, condensed matter, or quantum technologies. Experience with GEANT4 simulations, data analysis, and/or hardware experience. Position begins June 1, 2024. An earlier start date is negotiable.  Application: Applications must be submitted via Interfolio http://apply.interfolio.com/143690 and should include a letter highlighting the candidate’s qualifications, complete curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin April 22, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by April 19, 2024 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants will be notified of the employment decision after the position is filled. SuperCDMS Collaboration: The successful candidate will work closely with the SuperCDMS group at SNOLAB. This group is composed of highly qualified research personnel doing cutting edge research. Learn more about SNOLAB, the SuperCDMS collaboration, and the SMU Department of Physics at the following links:

https://www.snolab.ca/ https://supercdms.slac.stanford.edu/ https://www.physics.smu.edu/web/

SMU is a nationally-ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas, researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. Dallas’ quality of life is exceptional, with a relatively low cost of living and a variety of housing options. A full range of professional sports teams, music venues, a lively and innovative restaurant scene, and more make Dallas an extremely livable city. Explore Dedman College at https://www.smu.edu/dedman, and SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

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