The Department of Physics and Astrophysics is seeking to hire a post-doctoral research fellow to conduct experimental research on “Epitaxial Growth of VN on Si3N4/Si(111)” starting date May 15, 2026. The applicant must have a doctoral degree in physics or a closely related field and a record of peer-reviewed publications on thin film growth and characterization. The researcher will work directly with Dr. Deniz Cakir and Dr. Nuri Oncel, and will help training PhD students.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in the State. It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity (R1). With a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and has over 15,800 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law as well as the only School of Medicine.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of nearly 59,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top five Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & Responsibilities

Training PhD students.
Conducting experiments on VN growth on Si₃N₄/Si substrates and characterizing the resulting samples.

Required Competencies

The ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students
Ability to work and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Physics & Astrophysics

Minimum Requirements

Earned PhD in Physics or in a closely related field
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience using Molecular Beam Epitaxy to grow nitride films
Experience in cleanroom operations
Experience with materials characterization
E-Beam and/or laser lithography experience
A proven record of publication in high-quality journals and outlets

To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 4/29/2026 and include the following materials:

Two letters of reference with contact information
A detailed curriculum vitae
Statement of purpose
Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to Nuri Oncel at nuri.oncel@und.edu

Apply now

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