Postdoctoral Appointee, Computational Methods, Particulate Materials – Onsite

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We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to join our dynamic research team focused on advancing the field of coarse-grained particle-based simulations for complex granular flows and powder compaction. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that bridges theoretical modeling and practical applications in high-performance computing.

On any give day, you may be asked to:

• Develop machine-learned coarse-grained mechanical inter-particle potentials to improve simulation accuracy and efficiency.
• Investigate complex granular physics through particle-based methods such as discrete element method (DEM), bonded particle models, and peridynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of granular behavior.
• Run large-scale simulations of granular and deformable particle systems using high-performance computing resources, optimizing algorithms, and managing extensive datasets.
• Conduct research to validate models against experimental data and publishing findings in high-impact journals.

Travel as needed to present research results at technical conferences, fostering professional connections and staying updated on advancements in the field. Due to the nature of the role, this candidate muse be able to work onsite.

• PhD, conferred within 5 years prior to employment, in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Material Science, Applied Math, or other related field
• Theoretical expertise in the physics and mechanics of heterogeneous materials (e.g. granular materials, glasses)
• Demonstrated proficiency in particle-based simulations (e.g. molecular dynamics, discrete element method, bonded particle models, meshless methods, etc.)
• Demonstrated scientific programming skills
• Good communication skills as evidenced by a history of publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and external presentations at appropriate scientific conferences
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoE Q security clearance

• Familiarity with high performance computing environments and parallel simulations and Linux operating systems and computing environments
• experience using molecular dynamics or other particle-based codes, e.g. LAMMPS
• Experience developing coarse-grained and/or machine-learned contact/potential models
• Experience developing and using machine learning
• Demonstrated ability to work in large, multi-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex multiscale problems in physics
• Experience collaborating in multi-organizational environments

We conduct applied research on the structure and behavior of complex engineered material systems exhibiting coupled physical processes that span multiple length and time scales. This research encompasses theoretical/computational and experimental methods and analysis of energetic (propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics) and soft materials (complex fluids, aerosols, polymers, powders and particles) and multiphase/composite systems. We support partner organizations in scientific assessments for design, production, performance and safety of material systems (e.g., critical components) as well as in the development and manufacturing of novel materials for high consequence, extreme environment applications.

This posting will be open for Application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. 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.

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.

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.

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.