Postdoctoral Research Associate – Superconducting Magnet Technology (High-Field Inserts) (Full-time, OPS)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 62644

Department: National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) - Materials Science & Technology (MS&T)

Responsibilities

The MS&T division at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the development of next-generation superconducting magnet technologies for high-field insert magnets. This role focuses on advancing conductor, coil, and magnet integration technologies enabling record-setting magnetic fields for scientific research.

• Design, build, and test high-field superconducting insert coils using advanced high-temperature superconductor technologies
• Develop and optimize coil architectures, winding approaches, and insulation systems for high-stress, high-field environments
• Contribute to mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic modeling of insert magnets
• Perform experimental characterization including quench behavior, stability, and degradation mechanisms
• Support integration of insert coils within resistive or superconducting outsert magnet systems
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across magnet design, cryogenics, and instrumentation
• Document results in technical reports, publications, and presentations
• Application of AI and machine-learning techniques (e.g., surrogate modeling, design optimization, inverse design, uncertainty quantification) to improve magnet performance, robustness, and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with superconducting materials or magnet systems
• Demonstrated experimental skills in cryogenic or high-field environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-temperature superconductors (HTS), particularly REBCO
• Background in superconducting magnet design, coil fabrication, or testing
• Familiarity with finite element modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS)
• Experience with quench detection and protection methods
• Knowledge of mechanical behavior of conductors under high Lorentz forces
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition.

Other Information

Working Environment:

• This position involves hands-on work in laboratory settings, including cryogenic systems and high magnetic field facilities.
• The role requires close collaboration with scientists, engineers, and technical staff in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Research Environment:

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is the largest and highest-powered magnet laboratory in the world, supported by the National Science Foundation and the State of Florida.

The MS&T Division develops cutting-edge magnet technologies and provides an exceptional environment for postdoctoral researchers, including:

• Access to state-of-the-art fabrication, cryogenic, and testing facilities. Collaboration with leading scientists and engineers across NHMFL and its partner institutions.
• A strong environment of mentorship and professional development, with many alumni progressing to successful careers in academia, national laboratories, and industry.

Opportunities:

• Contribute to world-record magnet development efforts
• Publish in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences
• Engage with a globally recognized team in high-field magnet science and technology

Helpful

What You Gain at FSU

• Opportunity to work at a world-renowned national research laboratory.
• Meaningful contributions to scientific discovery and student learning.
• A collaborative environment that values your expertise and invests in your growth.

Contact Info

For additional information, please contact Kayla West at knwest@fsu.edu.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Application materials should include:

• A cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
• A curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least two professional references

Considerations

This is an OPS/temporary job.

Based on the duties, this position may require completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Organization

Working at Florida State University

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University — with the Carnegie Foundation's highest designation, Doctoral/Research University-Extensive — offers a distinctive academic environment built on its cherished values and unique heritage, welcoming campus on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, championship athletics, and prime location in the heart of the state capital.

Combining traditional strength in the arts and humanities with recognized leadership in the sciences, Florida State University provides unmatched opportunities for students and faculty through challenging academics, cultural discovery and community interaction.

Underlying and supporting the educational experience at Florida State University is the development of new generations of citizen leaders, based on the concepts inscribed in our seal: Vires, Artes, Mores — Strength, Skill and Character.

Epitomized by recently named Rhodes Scholars Garrett Johnson and Myron Rolle — elite athletes and scholars committed to public service — and Joseph O'Shea — a campus and community leader as well as a top scholar — Florida State's 40,000 students are dedicated to academic excellence and providing leadership in our complex world.

Florida State University's 16 colleges offer more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional and specialist degree programs, including medicine and law, covering a broad array of disciplines critical to society today. Each year the University awards over 2,000 graduate and professional degrees.

With its impressive breadth of leading graduate, professional and undergraduate programs, Florida State University is a demanding, intellectually stimulating, yet warm and caring environment for students and faculty. Recognized nationally for its commitment to diversity, Florida State University is a national leader in the number of doctorates awarded to African-American students and in the graduation rate of African-American undergraduates. Its College of Medicine and College of Law are ranked in the Nation's Top 10 for Hispanic students.

Florida State University's arts programs — dance, film, music and theatre — rank among the finest in the world, offering an arts education comparable to leading conservatories. Its creative writing program is ranked among the nation's best and is home to the most consistently honored and published student body in the United States. Florida State is responsible for governance of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and associated arts programs, one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.

Other programs consistently included in the top public university list include physics, chemistry, political science, psychology, criminology, public administration, library science, information, human sciences, business and law.

At the Ph.D. level, interdisciplinary programs draw on notable research faculty strengths that transcend the traditional disciplines, including neuroscience, molecular biophysics, computational science, materials science and research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory—home to the world's most powerful magnets.