James McIver accepts assistant professor position at Columbia University
James McIver, the leader of the Non-Equilibrium Transport in Quantum Materials group, has accepted an assistant professor position with the Physics Department at Columbia Unversity. James’ group, which is currently based at the MPSD, is part of the Max Planck New York City Center for Non-Equilibrium Quantum Phenomena – a collaborative research initiative by the MPSD, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Columbia University and the Flatiron Institute in New York.
James‘ research focuses on transport phenomena in quantum materials at terahertz frequencies and on ultrafast timescales. His group investigates how charge and spin transport are modified in the presence of strong laser fields, where quantum effects that are normally inaccessible can be realized. The McIver Lab uses a range of ultrafast optoelectronic techniques to study these phenomena.
The New York Center for Non-Equilibrium Quantum Phenomena aims to understand, control and manipulate the uniquely useful properties of quantum materials in unstable states. By means of electricity, heat pulses, photon bombardment or placement in quantum cavities, materials reach non-equilibrium states where they can assume new properties and become magnetic, ferroelectric or superconducting, for example. Researchers want to understand and control these process in order to develop novel materials with diverse purposes and uses beyond our imagination. James is due to start his New York group in July 2022.
Press release from MPSD