Postdoctoral Appointee – Radiative Transfer Modelling, Onsite

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:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a hardworking and dedicated Postdoctoral Appointee to work at the forefront of radiative transfer (RT) simulation for visible and infrared light in solid materials. This role involves conducting research into novel approaches for modeling RT; improving, porting, and applying existing RT models; and integrating RT models into spectral library prediction pipelines. While primarily focused on computational modeling, the Postdoc will collaborate with experimentalists engaged in optical characterization of solid materials to ensure the accuracy of RT modeling results. Interaction with other RT experts is also expected.

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

• Perform self-directed RT model/software development and/or data analysis.
• Present and share results at team meetings with senior staff.
• Represent Sandia’s efforts at multi-lab collaboration meetings.
• Create publications and present findings at conferences and workshops.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. This position is located in Livermore, CA, and the annual salary for this position is $110,000.

• PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.

• Fundamental understanding of the physics of RT in solids, liquids, and/or gases, particularly for visible and infrared light.
• Familiarity with the Ambartsumian invariant embedding, as well as T-matrix and ray-tracing approaches.
• Proven experience in computational RT modeling and simulation.
• Demonstrated experience developing software in Python and Fortran, as well as MATLAB and/or C/C++.
• Knowledge of modern programming practices, including clean coding, unit testing, version control, integrated development environments (IDEs), and LLM-assisted coding.
• Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) on GPUs and multicore CPUs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

The Proliferation Signatures Discovery and Exploitation Department applies deep knowledge of optical sensing techniques to topics of relevance to Sandia and the nation. With backgrounds primarily in laser physics and chemistry, the group focuses on applications in hyperspectral sensing, trace particle detection and attribution and atmospheric measurement and modeling. In addition, the department is working on developing new laser technologies and new laser-based capabilities, such as quantum sensing. The work is supported by various internal and external customers.

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.