Postdoctoral Positions (full-time or part-time) in the Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory

About the Role

The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks qualified applicants for several postdoctoral openings, to push the boundaries of science and strengthen national scientific and technical capabilities in a highly engaging scientific environment. The successful candidates will perform outstanding research in computational physics and chemistry on problems concerning properties and dynamics of materials.

The T-1 group maintains theory, modeling, and simulation capabilities in a broad set of materials-related areas, including atoms, molecules, solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. The group's goal is to provide innovative and creative solutions needed to solve technical problems across the Laboratory's missions, such as energy security, stockpile stewardship, and global threat reduction.

Members of the T-1 group are experts in theory and simulation of materials using a wide range of techniques spanning multiple length-scales, from the atomic to the continuum. The group offers unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance. Outstanding applicants may be nominated for prestigious LANL-funded fellowships, enabling the pursuit of independent research.

Responsibilities

• Perform outstanding research in computational physics and chemistry related to materials properties and dynamics.
• Engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations and contribute to scientific workshops and conferences.
• Develop and apply theory, modeling, and simulation techniques across multiple length-scales (atomic to continuum).

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Electronic structure theory and atomistic simulations of materials
  • Classical, semi-classical, or quantum molecular dynamics
  • Multiscale physics and continuum models
  • Equation of state and thermodynamics
  • Materials mechanical properties, reactive burn, and flow
  • Opacities and the physics of hot and warm dense matter
  • Machine learning methods in materials and chemistry research
  • Quantum information science, quantum computing, and quantum materials
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research, as evidenced by a peer-reviewed publication record.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).

Qualifications

• A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Computer Science, or related fields, completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Skills

• Experience in computer programming using modern computing languages.
• Experience running large-scale computational physics, chemistry, or materials science codes based on atomistic quantum-chemical approaches, molecular dynamics using classical force-fields, and/or continuum models.
• Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU computing.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Adaptability to new project requirements and flexibility to learn new research areas as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and interact with people of varied expertise.

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)

Pay

Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, and outstanding candidates may be considered for prestigious fellowships such as Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.