About the Job
The Derby group seeks a postdoctoral associate to develop and apply finite element models of crystal growth from solution. The associate will work on two related projects:
- High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) diamond growth. Our in-house code solves, fully coupled, heat transfer in the crystal, metal solvent and carbon source; buoyancy-driven flow of the solvent; carbon transport; kinetically limited growth on a faceted crystal; and the position of the dissolving source as a free boundary.
- Traveling heater method (THM) growth of CdZnTe. In collaboration with an experimental group at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), the associate will build models of large-diameter CZT growth and use them to optimize thermal conditions, solvent-zone flow, interface shape and composition uniformity.
The position combines numerical methods development, transport modeling, and collaboration with experimentalists.
- Develop and apply Galerkin finite element codes (Python/NumPy/SciPy) for coupled heat, momentum and species transport with free and moving boundaries to different crystal growth systems: (80%)
- Develop multi-scale, step-based models to better simulate the growth of a faceted diamond crystal in the HPHT process.
- Work with the SRNL team to define simulations, compare results with furnace measurements and grown crystals, and recommend process changes
- Improve computational performance (compiled element kernels, parallel assembly, sparse direct and iterative solvers) to handle larger, time-dependent and possibly three-dimensional problems (10%)
- Verify codes through mesh convergence, Jacobian checks and benchmarks, and validate them against experiments (10%)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in chemical, mechanical engineering, materials science, applied mathematics, physics or a related field
- Strong background in transport phenomena: incompressible Navier–Stokes, natural convection, convection–diffusion of heat and mass
- Experience with Newton’s method for coupled nonlinear systems, including Jacobian construction and sparse linear solvers
- Strong programming skills in Python (NumPy/SciPy); careful testing and version control
- Ability to communicate effectively with experimental collaborators
- Publication record appropriate to career stage
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience writing finite element code, not only using commercial packages, including weak formulations, isoparametric elements and Gauss quadrature
- Knowledge of free- and moving-boundary methods (spine parameterizations, ALE, front tracking)
- Knowledge of time-dependent simulation, including unsteady or three-dimensional convection
- Modeling of melt or solution growth (THM, Bridgman, Czochralski, HPHT), segregation or interface stability
- Familiarity with II–VI semiconductors such as CdTe/CZT, or with diamond synthesis
- Performance computing: Numba, Cython, C/C++/Fortran, MPI, MUMPS/PETSc
- Experience working in a national laboratory or industrial collaboration
About the Department
Please visit https://cse.umn.edu/cems
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
- Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
