Materials Modeling of Plasticity and Microstructure Evolution Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s MST-8 Structure/Property Relations group seeks postdoctoral candidates in microstructure-aware materials modeling, with a focus on mesoscale modeling of plasticity, recrystallization, phase transformation, and damage in heterogeneous crystalline metals. The selected candidate will join the Microstructure Response and Degradation Science (MRDS) team, which integrates advanced microstructural characterization with physics-based modeling to predict material behavior under extreme service conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced, mechanistic-based crystal plasticity constitutive models to predict the behavior of nuclear structural materials and cladding materials under operational and off-normal conditions.
• Capture multiple deformation mechanisms, microstructure evolution, recrystallization, phase transformations, and degradation in these materials while providing an accurate mechanical response.
• Support broader engineering program efforts in reduced-order model (ROM) development, uncertainty quantification, and implementation via ROM in Multiphysics simulation frameworks.
• Publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at well-known conferences.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of deformation mechanisms in metals, such as dislocation plasticity, deformation twinning, and grain-boundary-mediated deformation.
• Demonstrated experience with crystal plasticity, microstructure evolution, or mechanistic modeling of mechanical behavior in crystalline materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of metals deformation behavior, microstructure evolution, and microstructure-property relationships.
• Experience with either FFT or finite element-based mechanical solvers.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals.
• PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.

Qualifications

• Experience in finite element-based simulations.
• Experience with phase field modeling and/or modeling phase transformations.
• Experience in Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based simulations.
• Familiarity with the MOOSE-FE framework.
• Experience with hexagonal closed-packed (HCP) metals (zirconium alloys, titanium alloys, magnesium alloys) or body-centered cubic (BCC)/body-centered tetragonal (BCT) materials (ferritic-martensitic steels, other advanced steels).
• Knowledge of hydrogen effects in metals and hydride formation mechanisms.
• Ability to effectively program in C++, Python, or Fortran.
• Ability to adapt to new project requirements and learn new tools as needed.
• Experience with Cohesive Zone Modeling.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually).
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius).

Schedule

This position is for two years, with a third year possible based on performance and funding.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.