Lecturer / Director of Quantum Matter Facilities - Department of Chemistry

Clemson University: College of Science: Chemistry

Location

Hunter 257

Open Date

Feb 25, 2025

Description

The Department of Chemistry at Clemson University invites applications for a 12-month non-tenure track faculty member to participate in and actively support research in cryo-magneto characterization of quantum materials. The faculty member will provide comprehensive technical support and user training for equipment, procedures, and safety in physical property measurements for quantum materials and data analysis. In addition, the faculty member will assume responsibilities to develop and teach related quantum materials courses at Clemson University, as well as mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the application of characterization methods. Opportunities for further collaboration with scientists in the field of quantum matter inside and outside the University are expected. The position is expected to be filled at the rank of Lecturer beginning July 15, 2025.

Responsibilities Include

• Actively participate in research using MPMS3 (magnetic property measurement system) and other physical property measurements for quantum materials, such as superconductors, semiconductor multilayers, topological magnets, and Dirac and Weyl semimetals.
• Prepare and deliver primary and advanced training on the various techniques and instrumentation available in the quantum matter facilities at Clemson.
• Design and teach new courses on physical property characterization of quantum materials and quantum information science for graduate and undergraduate students—a mandatory task that contributes to curriculum development.
• Develop and perform routine maintenance tasks, which vary daily, monthly, and annually for assigned laboratory instrumentation. Examples include daily checks to ensure instruments are running optimally, monthly proactive checks to ensure no hazards are present, and annual maintenance service on vacuum pumps and supporting mechanical equipment.
• Analyze performance and procedures for assigned equipment during regular operation and scheduled maintenance routines to determine if modifications are necessary to improve or augment their reliability, performance, or capabilities.
• Identify hazards and potential failure modes by comparing equipment usage and performance to establish safety protocols while conducting user training or performing maintenance. If the equipment is not operating within tolerances or any engineering safety controls are malfunctioning, determine corrective actions to hardware, operating procedures, or user training in conjunction with the assigned staff scientist and implement the changes.
• Assume additional responsibilities to promote the unit’s mission as needed.
  
  

About The Chemistry Department

The Department of Chemistry members are committed to advancing fundamental and applied science, training future scientists to their fullest potential, and to providing the tools for students to compete in the global market. We offer cutting-edge opportunities in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, as well as in a broad range of interdisciplinary areas such as materials, polymer, solid-state and computational chemistry. Our programs have applications in a wide range of fields, including energy, security, drug design and nanotechnology.

For more information about the department and its programs, please visit the website https://www.clemson.edu/science/academics/departments/chemistry/index.html

For more information about Clemson, please visit the website http://www.clemson.edu/.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. degree in physical sciences (e.g., Physics or Chemistry) or a related field is required, with deep knowledge of various physical property characterization methods applied to quantum materials, clearly demonstrated by the candidate’s scholarly work.

Prior experience (minimum 5 years) with measurements and modeling of properties such as quantum and topological Hall effect, electrical and thermal transport, magnetization, heat capacity, and magneto-optic property is required.

Experience with instructions and training in quantum materials property characterization and data analysis.

Experience with Python and density functional theory calculations.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Skills and commitment to training, educating, and working collaboratively with students.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional experience with XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, and optical measurements.

Additional experience with designing and teaching a course in quantum materials characterization.

Experience writing proposals for funding.

Experience with graphical communications.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by April 1, 2025. Review will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants Should Submit The Following Items Via Interfolio At

http://apply.interfolio.com/164126

• Cover letter addressing the applicant’s interest as well as the required and preferred qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae
• A one-page statement describing the candidate’s experience in mentoring students and/or how the candidate plans to contribute to student success.
• The names and contact information for three professional references.
  
  

For more information, please contact Dr. Thao Tran, Chair of the Search Committee, thao@clemson.edu