Jobs

08/17/2025

Two Postdocs in the group of Prof. Chris Leighton, University of Minnesota

The research group of Prof. Chris Leighton at the University of Minnesota has two open postdoctoral positions in experimental materials science/materials physics.

The first position will focus on spintronics and magnetic heterostructures. The materials/device systems of interest are metallic non-local spin valves (including their potential as spin accumulation sensors) and artificial spin ice structures. Experience with UHV thin film deposition, spin transport, and thin-film magnetism is preferred.

The second position, in the DOE-funded University of Minnesota Center for Quantum Materials (https://cqm.umn.edu/), will focus on quantum materials, primarily studied with neutron scattering, electronic transport, and magnetometry. The materials systems of interest are metallic delafossites and other transition metal oxides and sulfides. Experience with neutron scattering, crystal growth, and electronic transport measurements is preferred.  

Both positions are collaborative and require a Ph.D. in materials science, condensed matter physics, or a related field. The Leighton Group is in the department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota (https://cse.umn.edu/cems). More can be learned about the group at https://cse.umn.edu/cems/chris-leighton and https://leighton.cems.umn.edu/.

Interested candidates should contact Chris Leighton at leighton@umn.edu, attaching a CV and the names of three references.

Appointments can be considered as early as September 1, 2025. Appointments will be for one year, extendable based on availability of funds and performance; two or three years is considered optimal.