Description
HIGP Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Materials Simulations for Advanced Manufacturing)
Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics & Planetology (UH Manoa), Honolulu, HI
Position ID: 225484
The Hawai‘i Institute of Materials Research (HIMaR) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Materials Simulations to support modeling and simulation efforts within the Hawai‘i Initiative for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (HIAMM). The ideal candidate will have a strong crystallographic background and expertise in density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics, and multiscale simulation techniques. This position will play a key role in integrating simulation workflows into HIMaR’s advanced materials discovery pipeline, co-develop and support a cloud-accessible simulation platform, and oversee the operation and maintenance of a local high-performance computing (HPC) resource. Carries out advanced computational research to simulate and predict the physical properties and behavior of materials relevant to additive manufacturing and device development. The focus is on quantum mechanical and atomistic modeling of materials, with particular emphasis on electronic structure, mechanical and optical properties, and transport phenomena in solids. Supports the design of new materials for sensors, catalysts, and structural applications. Works in close collaboration with experimentalists and data scientists to accelerate discovery and optimization of materials systems. This position is also responsible for co-developing the HIAMM online simulation platform, a cyberinfrastructure tool enabling remote modeling of novel materials for advanced manufacturing applications, and for managing the HIAMM mini supercomputing cluster used for local simulations and code development.
Inquiries:
Dr. Przemyslaw Dera [email protected]
Application Instructions:
To apply, visit www.rcuh.com/work/careers, and search for Position ID 225484. You must submit the following documents online to be considered:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume or CV
3. Contact Information for 3 professional references
4. Copy of Degree(s), Transcript(s), or Certificate(s)
Monthly Salary Range:
$5,833 - $7,083
Closing Date:
09/30/2025, or until the position is filled
Requirements
Primary Qualifications
Education: PhD from an accredited college or university in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. (PhD candidates may apply but must submit proof of degree completion prior to hire. Applicants cannot have received their PhD more than five (5) years prior to the date of application.).
Experience: One to two (1-2) years of post-PhD experience in materials modeling and simulation. Experience with Python, Bash, or C++ for custom code and data processing.
Knowledge: Expertise in crystallography and atomic-scale structure of solids. Strong background in density functional theory and molecular dynamics. Knowledge of finite element modeling methods. Familiarity with computational prediction of electronic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of materials. Understanding of software architecture for simulation workflows. Familiarity with job schedulers, system configuration, and software environments for HPC clusters (e.g., SLURM, Linux, MPI, environment modules).
Abilities and Skills: Demonstrated ability to run simulations on high-performance computing clusters. Proficiency in packages such as VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, LAMMPS, or similar. Ability to build and maintain simulation databases and workflow automation tools. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the UH Title IX training within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
Policy/Regulatory Requirement: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
Secondary Qualifications
Experience with materials data management, simulation databases, and high-throughput pipeline development is desirable. Experience with multiscale modeling approaches or machine learning–assisted simulations. Familiarity with workflow management frameworks (e.g., FireWorks, AiiDA, Custodian). Prior experience building or contributing to web-accessible research platforms or data portals. Experience managing small- to mid-scale HPC systems and supporting users. Previous collaboration with experimental or synthesis-focused research groups.
