Summary:
Prof. Curtarolo’s group at the Center for Extreme Materials at Duke University, USA, is seeking to fill open postdoctoral positions in computational materials design. This role focuses on developing innovative computational methods for discovering materials with a range of technological applications.
Postdoctoral Associate Post, Curtarolo’s group, USA
Designation:
Postdoctoral Associate
Location:
Duke Campus, Durham, NC, USA (Onsite role, no remote work)
Research Area:
The research will focus on one or more of the following topics:
- Ultra-high-temperature plasmonic materials for energy applications.
- Discovery, optimization, and design of high-entropy ceramics and other disordered systems.
- Theoretical support for autonomous research infrastructure including:
- Logic and thermodynamic constraints for self-driving lab workflows.
- Advancement of CALPHAD methodologies for complex systems.
- Development and assessment of high-fidelity thermodynamic databases.
- Modeling phase stability in multi-component systems for experimental guidance.
- Automated integration of experimental results into computational workflows.
Eligibility/Qualifications:
- Deep understanding of linear algebra, calculus, thermodynamics and kinetics of materials, solid-state physics, crystallography/group-theory, and inorganic chemistry.
- Solid scientific communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong programming skills in C++, LaTeX, and familiarity with Unix systems.
- Experience using materials data repositories such as AFLOW.
- Proven experience in ab-initio modeling (VASP, Quantum Espresso, FHI-AIMS).
Preferred Skills:
- Expertise in CALPHAD methods and thermodynamic database assessment.
- Experience with workflow automation, AI, and handling experimental datasets programmatically.
- Familiarity with thermodynamic modeling software (OpenCalphad, PyCalphad, Thermo-Calc).
- Background in additive manufacturing, robotics, and micro-controller programming (e.g., Verilog, ESP32).
Job Description:
The appointment will be for one year, renewable pending funding and successful performance. This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary research group at the forefront of computational materials design.
How to Apply:
Potential candidates should send a single PDF file named “PDOC-2026_Lastname_Firstname.pdf” containing:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names, emails, and phone numbers of three (or more) references
Submit your application to: jobs@materials.duke.edu
Subject line: PDOC-2026: Lastname Firstname
Last Date to Apply:
Until position filled
