Postdoctoral Associate (L,P,S)

Position Function

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct advanced research bridging electronic structure theory and data-driven methods, leveraging both theoretical frameworks and machine learning (ML) models to predict the behavior of quantum materials. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing innovative computational approaches and scientific software.

Salary Grade: UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile

For information on the Department of Chemistry, please visit www.chemistry.msstate.edu

Area of Specialization

Chemistry

Anticipated Appointment Date

Fall 2026

Tenure Track Status

n/A

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement machine learning models to accelerate quantum chemistry calculations, enabling rapid, data-driven materials discovery and force field development.
• Lead the dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed journal publications, manuscript preparation, and presentations at regional and national academic conferences.
• Contribute to ongoing development, optimization, and maintenance of custom computational software packages.
• Assist in preliminary data generation for extramural grant proposals.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or closely related disciplines.
• Strong background in theoretical chemistry with demonstrated experience performing electronic structure calculations.
• Proficiency in writing and maintaining scientific computational software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience training, developing, and deploying machine learning models for chemical or physical applications.
• Familiarity with strongly correlated electronic structure methodologies and implementing these methods in computational software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting and bending. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.

Instructions for Applying

Interested candidates must apply to msujobs.msstate.edu and submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a full list of publications.
3. Three most relevant publications.
4. A one-page statement of research interests.
5. Contact information for three references.

Restricted Clause

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.