1

Computational Vasp Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Computational Modeling and Simulation: Formulate and execute reactor core and system simulations ... Strong capabilities in using MCNP, Serpent, NJOY, OpenFoam, VASP, and PHONON codes. Strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Computational Vasp information

See salary details

$40

$54

$74

How much do computational vasp jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for computational vasp in the United States is $54.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.88 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computational VASP (Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package) Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computational VASP Specialist, you need a solid background in computational physics, materials science, or chemistry, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with first-principles calculations. Proficiency in using VASP software, Linux/Unix systems, scripting languages (like Python or Bash), and high-performance computing resources is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies enable accurate simulations, efficient workflow management, and clear collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams.

What tech jobs pay 400,000 a year?

In the field of computational materials science, roles such as senior computational scientists or research directors can reach or exceed $400,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like pharmaceuticals or advanced materials. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in tools like VASP, high-performance computing, and programming skills. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of responsibility.

What jobs are visual thinkers good at?

Computational Vasp professionals, who often work with complex data and modeling, are well-suited for roles that require strong visual thinking such as data visualization, scientific modeling, and computational design. These jobs benefit from skills in graphical representation, spatial reasoning, and familiarity with visualization tools like VESTA or VMD.

What is the difference between Computational Vasp vs Quantum Chemistry Software Developer?

AspectComputational VaspQuantum Chemistry Software Developer
Required CredentialsPhysics or materials science degree, experience with DFTChemistry or physics degree, programming skills in quantum chemistry
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, computational clustersResearch institutions, software development teams
Industry UsageMaterials science, condensed matter physicsPharmaceuticals, chemical research, academia

Computational Vasp focuses on simulating materials properties using density functional theory, primarily in materials science. Quantum Chemistry Software Developers create tools for molecular modeling and quantum calculations. While both roles involve quantum mechanics and programming, Vasp specialists typically work on materials simulations, whereas developers focus on software creation for quantum chemistry applications.

What kind of jobs are in computational linguistics?

Jobs in computational linguistics include roles such as natural language processing (NLP) engineer, computational linguist, language data scientist, and speech recognition specialist. These positions typically require skills in programming, linguistics, and machine learning, and are found in tech companies, research institutions, and AI-focused organizations.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior computational scientists, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and specialized software engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, experience, and often in tech, finance, or research sectors. These positions typically require strong programming skills, expertise in algorithms, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications.

What is a Computational VASP specialist?

A Computational VASP specialist is an expert who uses the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) for performing quantum mechanical simulations of materials at the atomic scale. VASP is a widely used software tool in computational physics, chemistry, and materials science for modeling and predicting the properties of solids, surfaces, and molecules. Specialists in this field typically have a strong background in computational methods, quantum mechanics, and materials modeling, and they often work in research, development, or academic settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with VASP in computational research roles?

Professionals using VASP (Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package) in computational research often face challenges such as optimizing calculation parameters for accuracy versus computational cost, managing large datasets from simulations, and ensuring reproducibility of results. Additionally, they frequently need to collaborate closely with experimental teams to validate findings and may spend significant time troubleshooting input files or convergence issues. Staying updated with the latest software updates and computational techniques is also important to maintain efficient workflows.
More about Computational Vasp jobs
What cities are hiring for Computational Vasp jobs? Cities with the most Computational Vasp job openings:
What states have the most Computational Vasp jobs? States with the most job openings for Computational Vasp jobs include:
Infographic showing various Computational Vasp job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% Full Time, 94% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,249 per year, or $54.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Condensed Matter Theory

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Condensed Matter Theory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16540 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will develop and apply computational methods based on electronic structure theory and artificial intelligence approaches with emphasis on electronic properties of a range of quantum materials important to the DOE mission, including the materials classes described below. Research efforts will include application of Quantum Monte Carlo (QMCPACK, PYQMC) density functional theory (e.g. QE, VASP, PYSCF) and associated models to describe various properties of DOE-relevant quantum materials.

The Materials Theory Group has a background in using the most advanced ab-initio methods to examine electronic, topological and magnetic properties of advanced materials, their defects and their interphases.  The incumbent will have opportunities to develop research methodologies as well as collaborate with experimental groups at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  This position resides in the Materials Theory Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Develop and use first principles methods to describe electronic and magnetic structure, excitations and interactions, phase stability, in a range of quantum materials
  • Responsible for presenting and reporting key scientific results and publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals
  • Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of ORNL core values and ethics
  • Postdoctoral research associates are required to work onsite at ORNL’s campus.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD related to computational or theoretical condensed matter physics, theoretical chemistry, theoretical materials science, or other closely related field completed within the last 5 years
  • Experience with computational modeling of electronic and magnetic properties

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
  • Scientifically curious and self-motivated with the ability to participate creatively in a collaborative environment
  • Demonstrated experience with electronic structure methods including Quantum Monte Carlo or other many-body ab-initio methods for description of electronic, magnetic, and vibrational properties in a range of materials
  • Expertise with artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches will be also considered

 

Special Requirements: 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


What Oak Ridge National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom