Postdoctoral Appointee - Plasma Physics, Onsite

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance our research and development efforts in electromagnetic plasma physics applications. Topics of interest include radiation-driven plasma phenomena, beam interactions with dense background gases, and magnetically insulated transmission line behavior for pulsed power systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze using our group's in-house electromagnetic plasma software simulation suite on the Department of Energy's latest supercomputing facilities.
• Collaborate closely with our partner experimental organizations for validation of those capabilities.
• Perform journal publications, conference presentations, and contribute to Sandia's mission impact through this research.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, or related engineering discipline conferred within 5 years of start date.
• Experience in simulation of plasma physics phenomena.
• Experience in programming using scripting languages (Python, shell, etc.).

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance.
• Background in validation of plasma physics simulations using experimental data.
• Experience with utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
• Scientific programming experience in C++.
• Demonstrated ability to work with others and contribute in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to be flexible in assignments and develop expertise in different areas of plasma physics.

About Our Team

The Radiation/Plasma Analyses department brings together a team with diverse backgrounds to perform research and analysis in using advanced theory, modeling, and simulation tools to address a broad range of neutron/radiation transport and plasma physics applications at Sandia. We primarily use the RAMSES code suite, developed in our group, to deliver credible analysis products to Sandia's nuclear deterrence mission and support the labs' pulsed-power experimental facilities.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite at Sandia New Mexico. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted. Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs. If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information

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.