Research Scientist/Engineer 1 - NSF-DMREF Project

Job Description

The Physics Department at the University of Washington has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1.

This project is a collaborative effort with colleagues at SLAC and UCSB, aiming to advance understanding of how mobile low-valent metal cations influence catalytic performance, stability, and regeneration. It offers a unique opportunity to investigate the fundamental factors governing cation mobility in aluminosilicate materials through an integrated experimental-theoretical-computational approach. The research will probe the spatial extent and timescales of ion motion and how these depend on metal identity, bonding characteristics, oxide structure, proton density, ligands, and reaction conditions. By combining diffraction, spectroscopy, and advanced simulations, the work seeks to establish predictive fingerprints of metal-ion mobility and uncover general principles linking structure, bonding, and dynamics. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding both local and long-range mobility under catalytically relevant conditions, providing a rigorous research environment at the interface of catalysis, materials chemistry, and computational modeling.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform large-scale electronic structure and atomistic simulations (DFT, AIMD, NEB) to study ion mobility in aluminosilicate and oxide frameworks.

• Generate datasets linking structure, environment, and ion mobility, and contribute to a database of bond force constants for EXAFS interpretation.

• Develop and apply spectroscopy modeling tools (FEFF10, StoBe, NWChem) to interpret X-ray absorption and EXAFS data.

• Collaborate closely with experimental partners on catalysis and spectroscopy studies.

• Interact with graduate students and contribute to a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

• Present findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, or a related field and one year of relevant experience to include high-performance computing, and Python-based data analysis.

Equivalent combination of education/experience. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Requirements

• Expertise in ab initio molecular dynamics, density functional theory and high-performance computing.

• Experience with Python programming.

• Familiarity with machine learning methods.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across theory and experiment.

 

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Experience with catalyst simulations.

• Experience with XAS/EXAFS spectroscopy modeling and its relation to electronic structure theory.

• Experience with codes like VASP, CP2K and NWChem.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter.

Candidates should submit a cover letter describing and providing evidence for their expertise in density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics, as well as experience with high-performance computing and Python programming. Applicants should also highlight familiarity with machine learning approaches, their ability to generate and analyze atomistic simulation data, and their experience applying computational methods to spectroscopy or catalysis.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$68,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$71,544.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.