Postdoctoral Researcher, Physics

External Applicants: 

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.

• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees:

Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website. 

A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

The Department of Physics at Wake Forest University invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in quantum matter. The successful applicant will work in Emilie Huffman's group (https://huffman.sites.wfu.edu/) on projects related to classical and quantum-computational simulations of quantum many-body physics systems. The scholar will also have the opportunity to mentor students in the group.

We especially encourage applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas, spanning both numerical and analytical approaches:
-Quantum monte carlo
-Exact diagonalization
-Tensor networks
-Machine learning for many-body physics techniques
-Renormalization group and perturbative expansion techniques (epsilon expansion, large-N expansion, etc.)
-Conformal bootstrap

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field by the start date (anticipated Fall 2027).
The position is for two years, with a third-year extension available depending on performance and funding availability.

Applications received before January 15, 2027, will receive full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Interested candidates are asked to please provide a curriculum vitae, three confidential letters of recommendation, and a short statement (not exceeding three pages) describing past research efforts and future research goals. Candidates should direct letter writers to email their letters to ehuffman@wfu.edu.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Will work with the Professor on projects related to classical and quantum-computational simulations of quantum many-body physics systems.
• The scholar will also have an opportunity to mentor students in the group.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field
• Strong background strongly correlated many-body systems
• Strong publication record in relevant venues
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

We prefer a candidate with a background in Condensed Matter, Quantum Information, or High Energy Physics, with expertise in one or more of the following areas, spanning both numerical and analytical approaches:

• Quantum monte carlo-Exact diagonalization
• Tensor networks
• Renormalization group and perturbative expansion techniques (epsilon expansion, large-N expansion, etc.)
• Conformal bootstrap
• Machine learning for many-body physics techniques

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing, communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers: and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions:

• No environmental conditions.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Wake Forest University:

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. With over 5,400 undergraduates and 3,500 graduate and professional students, the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate, which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest University is in Winston-Salem, a beautiful, mid-sized city centrally located in the Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina. A family-friendly city with high-quality schools, a wide selection of restaurants and shops, outdoor recreational activities, and numerous special events, it is known for its vibrant and thriving arts and innovative scenes. Residents enjoy proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, and a very reasonable cost of living. Winston-Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a small town.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.  

 

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.