Jobs

04/15/2026

Postdoctoral Researcher in First-Principles Modeling of Spintronics and Magnetic Materials

Tony Low Research Group
University of Minnesota

Google Scholar:  https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mf9OBbYAAAAJ&hl=en

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@professornano

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-low-4b470851/

Quantum+Chips: http://z.umn.edu/quantum

Email: tlow@umn.edu

The Tony Low Research Group at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the area of first-principles computational materials physics, with a focus on spintronics, magnetic materials, and density functional theory (DFT).

Our group works at the intersection of condensed matter physics, materials science, and device-relevant theory, with research interests spanning spintronics, topological and magnetic materials, quantum materials, and emergent electronic phenomena. The successful candidate will contribute to the theoretical and computational discovery of novel materials and mechanisms relevant to next-generation information technologies, especially in the context of magnetic and spin-based devices. Research topics may include electronic structure, spin-orbit coupling, magnetic anisotropy, spin transport, topological effects, altermagnetism, antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials, and other phenomena relevant to energy-efficient spintronic applications. The work will primarily involve DFT and related computational methods, with opportunities for close interaction with experimental collaborators and participation in interdisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent and collaborative research on spintronic and magnetic materials using DFT and related computational approaches

• Investigate electronic, magnetic, and spin-dependent properties of emerging materials

• Develop theoretical understanding of phenomena relevant to spin transport, magnetic switching, spin-orbit torques, and related effects

• Collaborate with experimental researchers to guide materials discovery and interpret measurements

• Publish research results in leading journals and present findings at conferences

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the group

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date

• Strong expertise in density functional theory and electronic structure calculations

• Research experience in magnetic materials, spintronics, or related areas

• Familiarity with first-principles packages such as VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, Wien2k, OpenMX, Elk, or similar tools

• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spin-orbit coupling, noncollinear magnetism, Berry phase methods, or topological materials

• Background in magnetic exchange interactions, anisotropy, or transport-related calculations

• Experience with workflow automation, high-throughput computation, or model Hamiltonian methods

• Interest in working closely with experimental collaborators in magnetism, transport, optics, or device physics

Application Materials
Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience

• Curriculum vitae

• Publication list

• Contact information for up to three references

Review of applications will begin ASAP and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact:
Professor Tony Low
University of Minnesota
tlow@umn.edu