Physics Postdoc Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Posting Information
Posting Details
Department
Physics and Astronomy - 319000
Posting Open Date
11/24/2025
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID
PDS004724
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week
40
FTE
1
Work Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Proposed Start Date
01/01/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment
12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC-CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe.
Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC-CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small) the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy, while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences.
This instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
Position Summary
The computational materials research group led by Dr. Mengen Wang is seeking a postdoc researcher to work on computational materials. The postdoc researcher will perform DFT calculations and develop methods to accelerate the design of defects in semiconductors. This position offers exciting opportunities to collaborate with experiment and theory groups. Candidates should be able to work both independently and collaboratively and contribute to a positive research group environment. The candidate is required to have experience with DFT calculations and a strong publication record. Experience with quantum defects and/or machine learning methods like machine learning interatomic potentials is a preferred qualification.
This preferred start date is January 2026 and can be negotiated. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years based on performance.
A complete application includes (1) a cover letter summarizing the applicant's qualifications, research interests, and suitability for the position, (2) a complete CV, (3) a list of at least three references, and (4) unofficial BS and PhD transcripts. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related area
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Strong background in solid-state physics and publication records in computational materials
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in the development and implementation of machine learning models
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309911
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Mengen Wang, Assistant Professor
Department Contact Telephone or Email
mewang@unc.edu
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.