Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Arun Majumdar

Posted on Tue, 11/11/2025 - 08:12

Important Info
Faculty Sponsor First name: 
Arun
Faculty Sponsor Last Name: 
Majumdar
Stanford Departments and Centers: 
Mechanical Engineering
Energy Science and Engineering
Group or Departmental Website: 
https://web.stanford.edu/group/magiclab/home.html (link is external)
Does this position pay above the required minimum?: 
No. The expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY25 minimum is $76,383.

Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Opening at the Majumdar Group at Stanford University

The Magic Lab (link is external) in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Science and Engineering at Stanford University, led by Prof. Arun Majumdar (link is external) , is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research. 

The Magic Lab has three subgroups based on three branches of science: (a) physics; (b) chemistry; (c) mathematics.  The physics-based subgroup focuses on a wide spectrum of issues ranging from: (i) novel adaptations of aberration-corrected modern electron microscopy and spectroscopy (including PAMELA (link is external) , vibrational spectroscopy and cryogenic-EM); (ii) investigations of novel materials and devices at the nanoscale.  The chemistry-based subgroup is exploring new and scalable solutions to: (i) atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane removal as well as mitigating methane emissions; (ii) new ways to dehumidify ambient air with ultra-low energy intensity; (iii) novel approaches to remove atmospheric particulate (e.g., PM2.5) pollution.  The math-based subgroup focuses on the use of deep learning and generative AI to address critical problems for the electric grid and broad energy systems.

We welcome applicants with strong foundations in  science and engineering.  What matters most is: (a) demonstrated ability to push both the frontiers of science and address a problem of technological significance today or in the future; (b) intellectual flexibility to quickly learn a new subject, and creatively connect dots between seemingly disparate fields of research; (c) ability to go deep into a subject and then zoom out when necessary; (d) identifying the most important problems to solve in a new field and leveraging techniques from other fields to solve it;  and (e) focusing on solving such problems within 1-2 years and bringing them to closure. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in any of the following fields: Science (e.g., physics, chemistry, data science); Engineering (e.g., mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, computer science).

About the group: Group alumni and their current positions (link is external) ; Google Scholar (link is external) ; Companies that started from the group include TheZero Inc. (link is external) , Gridcare.ai (link is external) and EvolOH Inc (link is external) .

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to apply for prestigious Stanford postdoctoral fellowships, including: 

• Stanford Energy Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Sustainability Accelerator Fellowship
• TomKat Postdoctoral Fellowship

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Angelika Milstein (amlstn@stanford.edu (link sends e-mail) ) with a copy to Dr. Gang Wan (gangwan@stanford.edu (link sends e-mail) ): 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• One-page summary of key research achievements
• Contact information for at least three references

We encourage applications from individuals passionate about advancing fundamental science and transformative technologies and eager to work in a dynamic, collaborative research environment.

Required Qualifications: 

• A doctoral degree conferred prior to appointment start date

 

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.