Recruit

Applications are invited for two full-time postdoctoral research positions in Professor Henrik R. Larsson’s theoretical chemistry and computational physics group at the University of California, Merced. Both positions will focus on developing, implementing, and applying tensor-network and related quantum-dynamics methods.

Applicants may indicate a preference for one project or ask to be considered for both.

The start date is flexible.

Position 1: Attosecond electron dynamics

This position is part of the DOE-funded Early Career project "Rigorous quantum simulation tools for correlated attosecond electron dynamics in molecules." It will focus on developing and applying tensor-network methods such as TD-DMRG, MCTDH, and TTNS to simulate correlated electron dynamics in molecules on attosecond timescales. Possible research directions include:

• Ionization dynamics and photoelectron spectra
• Methods for describing the electronic continuum
• Multireference electronic structure
• Vibronic dynamics

Selected relevant publications are:

• Wahyutama, Rano, Larsson, Chem. Sci., 2026, publication
• Wahyutama, Larsson, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2024, publication
• Larsson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, publication
• Larsson et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2022, publication

Position 2: Vibrational and vibronic dynamics

This position is part of the NSF-funded project "CAREER: Advancing Quasi-exact Quantum Dynamics of Complex Molecules with Tensor Network States." It will focus on developing and applying tensor-network and related quantum-dynamics methods to simulate vibrational, rovibrational, and vibronic structure and dynamics. Possible research directions include:

• Quantum dynamics of floppy molecules
• Molecular polaritonics
• Potential-energy-surface development
• Methods for computing molecular spectra
• Use of molecular symmetry in quantum-dynamics methods

Selected relevant publications are:

• Larsson, Le Dé, Gamboni, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2026, publication
• Larsson, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2025, publication
• Rano, Larsson, J. Chem. Phys., 2025, publication
• Larsson, Viel, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, publication
• Larsson, Mol. Phys., 2024, publication

General information

Applicants are not expected to have prior experience in all the research areas listed above, but experience in programming and method development is preferred. The successful candidates will have opportunities to shape the research directions within the scope of their respective projects.

Available computational resources include two shared clusters at Merced, computing nodes dedicated to the group, and national supercomputing centers. The successful candidates will prepare journal articles, help mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and present their research at international conferences. More information about the Larsson group can be found at Larsson Quantum Lab.

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.