Postdoctoral Appointee – Marine and Wind Energy Systems, Hybrid

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. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

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• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

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*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate (job title: Postdoctoral Appointee) for activities in marine renewable energy. The selected candidate will contribute to a broad research portfolio and support execution of the program. As a postdoctoral researcher within our Aerodynamic Technology & Energy Systems department, you will conduct basic and applied research for marine environments and hydrokinetic energy systems. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate on other activities in the department related to wind and water power to assist in furthering the development of a cross-cutting research portfolio.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Employ hydrodynamic models using structured- and unstructured-grids to assess marine energy resources.
• Utilize wind and marine turbine design and analysis tools, e.g., OpenFAST.
• Post-process model inputs and select model settings to perform model simulations.
• Post-process and perform statistical analysis of model outputs.
• Conduct analysis of extreme n-year period events (e.g., the 100-year wind current speed).
• Perform model verification and validation.
• Analyze and interpret model results.
• Publish and present research at conferences and workshops and in technical journals.
• Co-author study reports and peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Travel as required by business needs.

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM, and the annual salary for this position is $98,500.

• PhD in ocean engineering, coastal engineering, oceanography, or in a related engineering or science discipline.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance.

• Foundational knowledge in fluid mechanics
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in performing basic and applied research
• experience and ability to work on numerous tasks and react to quickly changing requirements
• Programming/scripting skills in Python, MATLAB, and/or Bash
• Knowledge of and experience in high performance computing
• Experience working in Linux/Unix environments
• Experience with HPC and batch job systems
• Experience with large datasets and post-processing
• Experience with CFD
• Experience with OpenFAST or similar turbine analysis tools
• Demonstrated record of publishing (i.e., technical reports, conference papers, journals, or similar listed on resume)
• Experience in statistical and uncertainty analysis

The Aerodynamic Technology & Energy Systems department conducts advanced research in airflow and structural dynamics, and develops innovative wind energy technologies. We apply deep expertise in engineering, materials, and data science, including AI/ML, to evaluate aerostructural and aeroelastic properties of aerodynamic systems, with a focus on high-fidelity modeling and simulation and verification & validation (V&V). Our expertise also includes data analytics, advanced manufacturing of aero and hydro rotor technology, composite materials applications, advanced instrumentation development, novel remote power generation, and energy systems integration. Through partnerships with industry, academia, other National Labs, and public dissemination of results, Sandia serves an important role in energy security for the nation.

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.

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 L-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 the 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.