Nazarbayev University

We are seeking highly innovative and motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to work in the area of nanoscale phonon thermal transport and elastic properties of irradiated, interfacial, phase-transformed and nanostructured solids targeting advanced energy applications. This is an interdisciplinary research position on the intersection of radiation nano-material science, thermophysics and laser-based metrology. The focus will be on advanced laser techniques, designing and implementing opto-thermal experiments, performing spatially-resolved measurements of phonon mediated thermal transport in advanced functional material systems, and analyzing results. The project will explore heat propagation under ion irradiation in the presence of extended defects and interfaces in semiconducting and ceramic materials.    

   Postdoctoral candidates with strong theoretical and modeling skills to employ and develop multi-scale non-equilibrium and equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, ab initio atomic calculations, continuum and analytical modeling approaches to simulate the evolution of radiation defects & microstructure and their role on thermal conductivity are also sought.

Qualifications

• Earned PhD degree in Physics, Material Science, Nanoscience, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Strong background in characterization of thermal transport property and structure of materials.
• Solid hands-on experimental skills with advanced laser-optical instrumentation (spatially-, time- and frequency-resolved pump-probe photothermal and photoacoustic techniques, inelastic light scattering & emission micro-spectroscopies, interferometry, laser vibrometry, optical design & construction, measurements, signal processing, data analysis & automation) is highly desirable
• A background in the assessment of material performance under irradiation with a focus on designing and conducting high precision ion beam irradiation experiments, material structure fabrication with tailored phononic properties, qualifying and quantifying defects by advanced microstructure characterization and imaging techniques is highly desirable.

The successful applicant must have the ability to work independently and in collaboration, possess strong communication skills and is expected to present research results at seminars, project meetings, national and international conferences and publish in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. He / she should also be able to generate advanced novel research concepts and proposals to secure new sources of external funding.

This is a project-funded postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance. Interested candidates should send their CVs to Prof. Zhandos Utegulov ([email protected]) and Prof. Yanwei Wang ([email protected])