Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Postdoctoral Research Scientist Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota Mines Working Title Postdoctoral Research Scientist Posting Number

NFE03039P

Department SDSMT-Physics 1 Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City

Posting Text Position Overview:

South Dakota Mines invites applications for an open Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Department of Physics to work on ferroicity driven processes in strongly correlated oxides and their interfaces. This is a full-time position with benefits. The candidate will primarily work with Prof. Tula R. Paudel in the Physics department in close collaboration with Prof. Alexey Lipatov from the Chemistry Department. The candidate, however, has an opportunity to collaborate with other researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs, and faculty (Xia Hong, Xiaoshan Xu, Peter Dowben, and Evgeny Tsymbal), affiliated with the

DOE EPSCOR

RIG, Emergent Interface Phenomena Enabled by Ferroelectric Oxide Thin Films and Membranes, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The candidate could also get involved in other research projects, related to 2D quantum materials and devices amorphous magnetic materials and devices, and electrochemical and electromagnetic energy storage and devices being conducted in Prof. Paudel's group.

Qualifications:

A PhD degree in Condensed Matter Physics, Physical Chemistry, Computational Materials Science, or a closely related field is required at the time of hiring. The ideal candidate should have experience in simulating strongly correlated materials and interfaces using density functional theory and related techniques, including Dynamical Mean-Field theory, Hybrid Functionals, and other many-body and quantum-chemistry methods. Additional experience in micromagnetic simulation, molecular dynamics simulation, machine learning, force field generation, and continuum simulation of electromagnetic processes is highly desired. However, strong candidates with a background in the growth and fabrication of experimental magnetic materials and spintronics devices will also be considered.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin May 8, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Attach a curriculum vitae and statement of research to your application. Arrange at least two recommendation letters addressing your research experience to be sent directly to Tula.

Paudel@sdsmt.edu by your references. Posting Date 04/24/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 05/08/2026 Advertised Salary $55,263 - $60,600 dependent on education and experience Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Overnight stays If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment. Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Contact Information Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Eye Protection, Latex Gloves If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting light, Lifting moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently Describe any of the conditions selected Written communication requires typing; reading/writing for a sustained period of time requires sitting for loner period of time, experimentation may require others activities such as lifting, pushing, reaching, use of both hands and use of either hands. Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) Working Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Chemical Hazards, Electrical Current, Exposure to Noise, Work in narrow aisles/passageways, Working Around Machinery Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above The position may involve working in a typical academic laboratory with some machinery and materials. Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.