Postdoctoral Scholar in Theoretical Chemistry

Position overview

Position title:
Postdoctoral Scholar in Theoretical Chemistry.



Salary range:
See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073 - $82,836.

Percent time:
100%

Anticipated start:
January 1, 2026

Position duration:
2 year position

Application Window

Open date: October 6, 2025

Most recent review date: Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Oct 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Applications are invited for a full-time postdoctoral research position in Professor Henrik R. Larsson's Theoretical Chemistry/Computational Physics group at University of California, Merced. The postdoctoral scholar will work on the DOE-funded Early Career project "Rigorous quantum simulation tools for correlated attosecond electron dynamics in molecules."

The position will involve developing new methods related to tensor network states (e.g. TD-DMRG, MCTDH) to simulate correlated attosecond electron dynamics in molecules. Of particular interest are candidates who are interested in research in one or more of the following:

Attosecond electron/nonadiabatic quantum dynamics, ionization dynamics, methods to describe the electronic continuum, multireference electronic structure, tensor network states.

Available computational resources include two shared clusters at Merced, computing nodes dedicated to the group, and national supercomputing centers. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to present and engage at international conferences, writing journal articles, and assist with mentoring students. More information about the Larsson group can be found at


.

Some relevant publications are:

• Wahyutama, Larsson, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2024,
  
• Larsson, Mol. Phys, 2024,
  
• Larsson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022,
  
• Larsson et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2022, [

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field. Experience with quantum simulations (broadly defined), programming (Python, Julia, C++, Fortran, etc), and excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Preferred qualifications

The ideal candidate has experience in developing computational methods in the fields of theoretical chemistry/physics, particularly for attosecond electron dynamics and/or tensor network states.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

• Examples of developed computer code, link to source code repository, or description of developed proprietary code (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

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About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location
Merced, CA