Case Western Reserve University - Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics

Position Description

Case Western Reserve University - Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Physics

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Department of Physics is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in experimental condensed matter physics, under the supervision of Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Hari Padma. This is an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of renewing on an annual basis. The position is expected to start no later than March 2027.

Responsibilities and Duties

The candidate will conduct experimental research on quantum materials, comprising primarily of time-resolved spectroscopy and scattering measurements in the PI’s laboratory (group website) at CWRU and at large national facilities. The candidate will join an extensive network of research collaborators at institutions across the US (Harvard, Penn State, Brookhaven, and more) and at x-ray synchrotrons and free electron lasers around the world (LCLS, SwissFEL, PAL-XFEL, and more). The candidate will have the opportunity to help shape the research program and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers. Responsibilities include the design and construction of ultrafast optical spectroscopy setups, drafting proposals to access user facilities, and dissemination of scientific results through peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a doctorate in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field by date of employment. Candidates must have a strong experimental background in ultrafast and/or nonlinear optics. Preferred qualifications include prior experience with terahertz spectroscopy, cryogenic instrumentation, high magnetic fields, 2D material sample preparation, and x-ray scattering. Good written and oral communication skills are required, as demonstrated through scientific publications and presentations. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Instructions

Applications with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copy of PhD diploma or transcripts, and the names and contact information of three references (letters are not required at this stage) must be submitted through Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/182931. Review of applications will begin on November 17, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

In compliance with the City of Cleveland's Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $62,652. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.