Postdoctoral Appointee -- Atomistic and Molecular Scale Modeling of Materials, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee with a focused background in kinetic Monte Carlo, Molecular Dynamics (MD), Dislocation Dynamics (DD), and/or Density Functional Theory (DFT) to join our interdisciplinary team of scientists and professionals. As part of this work, you will apply fundamental scientific principles in complex material simulations for property estimation and mechanism discovery. Examples include oxide formation in various metallic systems, nucleation and growth mechanisms of helium bubbles, as well as hydride formation and stability in irradiated materials. Our work strongly couples both experimental and theoretical approaches to provide innovative and robust solutions. This work is expected to lead to the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Responsibilities

• Apply atomistic simulations (e.g., DFT, molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo) to study problems related to interstitial interactions with metals in extreme environments.
• Interact with experts in diverse fields to develop models of microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of aging structural materials.
• Work independently as well as contribute creatively to team efforts.
• Present results at national/international meetings and publish research in high-profile peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience publishing peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications (Desired)

• Strong written and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated technical background in atomic scale modeling.
• Experience with materials physics modeling interstitial interactions with materials and radiation damage in materials.
• Familiarity with UNIX/Linux operating systems and code development (HPC environments).
• Proficiency in modern programming languages such as C++ and Python.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools; ability to assess tool capabilities and limitations when selecting and utilizing tools to perform simulations.
• Skills at utilizing high-performance computing resources to efficiently manage and perform large-scale simulations.
• Experience with atomistic simulation codes (e.g. LAMMPS), and visualization software (e.g. OVITO, VMD).
• Experience with DFT codes (e.g. VASP).
• Dislocation Dynamics experience (e.g. ParaDIS).
• Experience with machine learning.

About Our Team

The Materials Physics department performs fundamental research on the structure and properties of materials to support programs in energy research, device physics, materials reliability, and national security. Specific activities include experimental and modeling studies of surface electronic structure and surface atomic structure and dynamics of metals, oxides, low-dimensional semiconductors, and adsorbates; atomic-scale structure and composition analysis of metals, semiconductors, and composites; electrical and optical properties of low-dimensional semiconductors and optoelectronic devices; and the structural and electrochemical characterization of solid-state ionic materials. The Department supports internal and external sponsors and government agencies that seek solutions to problems of fundamental scientific inquiry, energy sustainability, and national defense.

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact contributing to security, peace, and freedom worldwide.
• Extraordinary co-workers and some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world.
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home).
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

These benefits vary by job classification.

Schedule

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment. Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a DOE Q-level security clearance. If you hold more than one citizenship, your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.