Postdoc Research Associate

What You Will Do

Staff in the Materials Science in Structure Property Relations Group (MST-8) in the Materials Science and Technology Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory are seeking candidates for postdoctoral appointments in computational materials science. The positions support several research projects addressing multiscale problems in nuclear materials and reactor systems, including oxide, metallic, and non-oxide ceramic fuels; pellet-cladding mechanical and chemical interactions; and advanced metal hydride moderator materials.

Areas of particular interest include:

• Fuel performance model development using information from lower-length scale simulations to build mechanistic and predictive models for nuclear fuels for the existing light water reactor fleet and advanced reactors for terrestrial and space applications;
• Mesoscale modeling of hydrogen behavior in metals related to advanced reactor moderators;
• Mesoscale model development related to fission gas behavior in fuel, sintering of ceramics and fuel mechanics;
• Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and uncertainty quantification applied to multiscale materials performance;
• Development of high-performance scientific software.

The ideal candidate would have expertise in multiple areas.

Depending on their expertise and interest, the candidate may contribute to a broader range of research projects involving computational modeling of nuclear fuels, materials behavior, and advanced reactor concepts. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible third year extension depending on performance and funding availability.

Candidates may also be nominated for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Christian Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. Applicants with US citizenship will also be considered for the Metropolis Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Physics. For these fellowships, the research scope can be broadened to include any topic of mutual interest.

For general information to the Postdoc Program go to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in computational materials science at the engineering or microscale levels;
• Solid understanding of fundamental defect behavior, microstructure evolution, and properties under extreme conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement models to address complex behavior of materials;
• Experience in running high-performance simulation tools for modeling advanced material systems;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to create, perform, and analyze simulations in a finite element or phase-field code;
• Familiarity with the MOOSE framework and/or comparable finite element or multiphysics frameworks (e.g. BISON, MARMOT, Centipede);
• Familiarity with multiscale modeling and methods for connecting information across length scales, including approaches such as finite-element analysis, phase-field modeling, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory;
• Familiarity with uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, calibration, or statistical methods for assessing and improving predictive computational models;
• Experience with writing code and implementing algorithms into high-performance parallel codes;
• Experience in development of deployment of AI tools to support model or code development.

Education:

• A Ph.D. in materials science, nuclear engineering, or a closely related discipline, earned within the last five years.

Work Environment:

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

Note to Applicants:

• In addition to applying online, interested candidates should send their inquiries, cover letter, CV including a list of peer-reviewed publications and invited talks, and the names and contact information of three references to Conor Galvin (conor@lanl.gov)
• The cover letter should address the minimum job requirements and desired skills of this position, with specific examples from your academic and research experience.
• To receive full consideration, please ensure that your application package provides all the information requested above.
• Evaluation of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of 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 the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947. Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:

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