2023 Research Openings / Opportunities
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Astrophysics
Theoretical Astrophysics
Research Description: We study the formation of the chemical elements (nucleosynthesis). This area of research is inextricably linked to the lives and deaths of stars.
Expected Skills / Background: Programming (Python, mostly), Introductory astronomy
Astrophysics
Theoretical Astrophysics
Research Description: Core collapse supernova theory, leadership-class core collapse supernova simulations, gravitational wave predictions and collaboration with LIGO
Expected Skills / Background: Programming
Astrophysics
Computational Astrophysics
Research Description: We are trying to understand the implications of neutrino microphysics on the results of astrophysical explosions like supernovae and neutron star mergers. We use many-body quantum mechanics simulations and quantum computing to understand the role of quantum entanglement in the supernova neutrinos.
Expected Skills / Background: Experience with computing and/or data analysis (Python or Julia). Coursework or background in quantum mechanics (e.g. solving the Schrodinger equation for electron spin in a magnetic field).
Astrophysics
Computational Astrophysics
Research Description: The primary objective of our research subgroup is the development and application of new algorithms that we have constructed to solve large sets of coupled differential equations faster and more efficiently than with existing codes. Specifically, we are developing two large codebases for astrophysical applications:
FERN (Fast Explicit Reaction Network), for solution of large thermonuclear networks coupled to multidimensional hydrodynamics, and
FENN (Fast Explicit Neutrino Network), for solution of neutrino evolution networks coupled to multidimensional hydrodynamics.
We intend to apply these new codes to simulating stellar evolution, stellar explosions, and mergers of compact objects: Type Ia supernovae, core-collapse supernovae, binary neutron star mergers, nova explosions, and evolution of massive stars. The production codes are written in C++, with ancillary tasks such as data manipulation and visualization typically implemented with Python or Java, or with tools like MATLAB. FERN and FENN will run on workstations, but they are particularly efficient running on GPUs and our primary long-term effort is to port them to the fastest computers, such as the exascale (1018 floating point operations per second) machine Frontier at ORNL, which derive most of their speed from GPUs. We are presently modifying FERN and FENN to run on Frontier for astrophysical applications.
Expected Skills / Background: Some background in a coding language such as Python, Java, C, C++, Fortran, … is desirable and students will be expected to learn how to write code in C++ for deployment on GPUs. We welcome diligent beginners: you learn to program by doing it.
Biophysics
Experimental Biophysics
Research Description: Our research aims to understand from physics principles how DNA and other macromolecules in the cell self-organize and form a functioning cell. Our goal is also to develop novel physics-based tools to study cellular systems.
Expected Skills / Background: Some experience with programming would be useful.
Biophysics
Theoretical Biophysics
Research Description: This project investigates the fundamental organization and dynamic behavior of the actin cytoskeleton, a crucial structural network present in all eukaryotic cells. Actin, a semi-flexible biopolymer, is continuously assembling and disassembling, forming the backbone of cellular mechanics. It interacts with a diverse array of molecular motors and accessory proteins to maintain structural integrity, drive cell motility, and regulate signaling processes. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive, predictive framework that connects the mechanical properties and dynamic behavior of individual cytoskeletal components to the collective organization of the actin network. This challenge is compounded by the fact that the actin cytoskeleton is an active system operating far from equilibrium, indicating that its behavior cannot be fully explained by traditional equilibrium theories.
Expected Skills / Background: Candidates must have basic coding skills, and experience with machine learning is a plus.
Condensed Matter Physics
Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: Correlated electron physics
Expected Skills / Background: Advanced quantum class
Condensed Matter Physics
Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: The Del Maestro Group seeks to understand, measure, optimize, and eventually exploit the entanglement content of quantum matter. We focus on superfluids and superconductors and specialize in low spatial dimensions where enhanced quantum fluctuations can produce phases without classical analogues.
Expected Skills / Background: Programming; quantum
Condensed Matter Physics
Theoretical/Computational Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: We are applying numerical methods to the behavior of strongly correlated quantum matter. My group often works closely with experimental groups to understand how to connect our model calculations to real materials.
Expected Skills / Background: Programming and courses in thermal physics & quantum mechanics are a plus.
Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: Our research focuses on observing interesting materials in the atomic resolution. Quantum materials are currently the main research topic, and we use scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate its atomic and electronic structures.
Expected Skills / Background: Electronics, programming, some knowledge on quantum mechanics
Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: We are exploring novel physical phenomena by studying electronic, magnetic, and superconducting behaviors in (topological) quantum materials as well as potential quantum device applications in quantum computing and spintronics. Experimental schemes of molecular beam epitaxy; structural, electronical, and magnetic characterizations; fabrication of mesoscopic and nanoscale devices; electrical transport using cryostats are used for our research.
Expected Skills / Background: Strong motivation, along with a basic background in quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and electronics, will be valuable.
Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics + Simulation
Research Description: Understand quantum many-body physics. Discover and design new quantum materials with new properties.
Expected Skills / Background: The ability of communicate and collaborate.
Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: We study how electrons move and interact both with each other and other degrees of freedom. We use spectroscopic techniques in the ultraviolet and soft x-ray regimes. All of these techniques are based on the Photoelectric Effect.
Expected Skills / Background: Knowledge of fundamental principles of Modern Physics (i.e. PHY 250, or 252); programming is a plus
Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: Elucidating and controlling macoscopic quantum phenomena such as magnetism, superconductivity and topology in artificially structured materials such as solid interfaces and ultrathin thin film materials. Creating novel materials platforms for new quantum technologies such as spintronics and quantum computing.
Expected Skills / Background: In general, students need good technical hands-on skills. Prior experience with programming or electronics would be good.
Condensed Matter Physics
Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: Our group focuses on developing new theoretical principles and paradigms to understand electronic properties of quantum materials, for the ultimate purpose of finding the optimal material platforms to build future quantum technological devices.
Expected Skills / Background: Basics on quantum mechanics. Linear Algebra. Programming.
Condensed Matter Physics
Theoretical and Computational Condensed Matter Physics
Research Description: My research interest lies in understanding the topological states, quantum transport, and light-matter interaction in topological/strongly correlated materials and their potential applications for future quantum technology. I am also greatly interested in high performance computing, for the study of large-scale quantum systems with massive parallelization in CPU/GPU platforms.
Expected Skills / Background: Programming. Quantum mechanics and solid states physics are a plus.
Elementary Particle Physics (aka High Energy Physics)
Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Research Description: Research in Neutrino Physics
Expected Skills / Background: Computer skills. GEANT4 and C++
Elementary Particle Physics (aka High Energy Physics)
Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Research Description: High energy experiment, focused on the CMS experiment at the LHC and a future muon collider. Specific topics include building an FPGA-based track-finding system for the HL-LHC, searching for beyond the Standard Model particles in current LHC data, and working on detector and accelerator design for a muon collider.
Expected Skills / Background: Some coding experience is crucial, but I also have a list of learning resources I can provide to students who don’t have that yet but are interested in eventually joining the group. Experience with electronics, networking, or firmware can be helpful for certain projects but is not at all required.
Elementary Particle Physics (aka High Energy Physics)
Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Research Description: Research addresses two major unanswered problems of particle physics: observation of neutron-to-antineutron transformations (oscillations) needed for understanding the matter-antimatter asymmetry of universe and determining unknown nature of Dark Matter. Both problems potentially can be resolved by detection of transformations of cold neutron in experiments with neutron beams at ORNL and at new constructed European Spallation Source (ESS). Neutron oscillation is Beyond Standard Model process described by Quantum Mechanics of two-level systems.
Expected Skills / Background: Programming experience with Python, or C++, or FORTRAN. Enthusiasm for research and strong desire to learn.
Elementary Particle Physics (aka High Energy Physics)
Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Research Description:
- Data analysis in service of finding new particles Beyond the Standard Model at particle colliders like the LHC to answer some major open questions in the Standard Model. We have a particular focus on searches for so-called Long Lived Particles, and using machine learning to reconstruct new particle resonances.
- Particle detection technologies and electronics for the upgrade to the CMS experiment for the next LHC upgrade.
- Advanced software development for the CMS upgrade.
Expected Skills / Background:
- Python programming (C++ is a plus++)
- Using a Linux/UNIX/Mac command line
- Familiarity with git
- Microprocessor or other digital electronics experience
- Computer networking experience
- Presentation and communication skills
Elementary Particle Physics (aka High Energy Physics)
Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Research Description: Data analysis using standard and ML algorithms; detector R&D and systematic studies of measurements
Expected Skills / Background: Strong interest in research
Nuclear Physics
Experimental Nuclear Physics
Research Description: Physics of very exotic nuclei at the limits of nuclear existence. Research carried out at the accelerator facilities with detection system invented, developed and constructed at the University of Tennessee.
Expected Skills / Background: Some programming skills. Enthusiasm for research.
Nuclear Physics
Experimental Nuclear Physics
Research Description: Elucidate the properties of the nuclear force that drive the changes in structure for exotic nuclei.
Expected Skills / Background: Programming, basic nuclear physics course
Nuclear Physics
Experimental Nuclear Physics
Research Description: We study jets, the collimated sprays of hadrons produced when quarks or gluons collide, in high energy nuclear collisions. We study how jets are modified by the quark gluon plasma, the hot, dense liquid formed when nuclei collide.
Expected Skills / Background: I generally want students to have taken an intro programming class and be enrolled in at least one upper division physics class, though I have made exceptions.
Nuclear Physics
Theoretical Nuclear Physics
Research Description: Computing atomic nuclei from scratch; using effective field theories to describe nuclear phenomena; applying quantum computing and quantum information concepts to atomic nuclei
Expected Skills / Background: Working with unix and programming is useful; quantum mechanics is useful to understand what we are doing
Nuclear Physics
Theoretical Nuclear Physics
Research Description: Electroweak processes and fundamental symmetries in nuclear physics.
Expected Skills / Background: Minimally programming, quantum class preferred