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Postdoctoral Researcher - Theory and/or Simulations of Warm Dense Matter

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, C Programming Language, Classical Mechanics, Computational Physics, Computer Skills, DOE Clearance, DOE-Q (Top Secret Restricted Data), Data Modeling, Dental Insurance, Fellowship, Fortran Programming Language, Insurance, Interpersonal Skills, Laboratory, Linux Operating System, Model Validation, Monte Carlo Method, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Plasma, Programming Languages, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Research Skills, Simulation, Strength of Materials, Team Player, Technical Presentation, Technical Publications, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Unix Operating Systems, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago
What You Will Do
The Materials and Physical Data Group of the X-Computational Physics Division (XCP-5) seeks highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral research position focused on the development of kinetic theory frameworks and their application to warm dense matter, a regime at the intersection of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. The goal of this work is to connect microscopic physics to macroscopic behavior in regimes where strong Coulomb interactions, thermal excitations, structural disorder, and quantum effects coexist, rendering standard descriptions based on limiting states inadequate.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of kinetic theory approaches specifically designed for these intermediate conditions. Research activities will involve a range of theoretical and computational methods, including techniques from statistical mechanics and classical and quantum many-body physics, as well as classical and quantum atomistic simulations. The selected candidate will be encouraged to translate fundamental results into practical constitutive models suitable for use in large-scale simulation codes and to relate theoretical and computational findings to current experimental results. The project scope is flexible and may be tailored to combine several aspects of theory, modeling, and simulation, depending on the candidate's background, strengths, and research interests.

XCP-5 is an interdisciplinary group which develops, implements, and validates constitutive models (material strength, damage and failure, etc.), equations of state (EOS), and physical data libraries including opacities and nuclear cross-sections for use in large-scale simulation codes; additionally, some group members collaborate in the design and analysis of small-scale and integral validation experiments for material models and physical data. XCP-5 offers an exciting, flexible, scientifically challenging work environment with many opportunities to collaborate with the broader LANL scientific community.What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Previous Experience
A strong background in one or more of the following fields: condensed matter physics, statistical physics, plasma physics, atomic physics, theoretical physics, and classical and/or quantum molecular simulations.
Computing Experience
Experience with scientific computing and programming in programming languages such as C, Fortran, or Python, etc.
Communication
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a willingness to collaborate with diverse scientific communities at LANL, nationally, and internationally.
Publication and Presentation Record
Demonstrated expertise in physics through peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations.
Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in physics or a related field. A candidate may be considered for a postdoctoral position within five years of receiving their Ph.D. or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:
Specialized Previous Experience
Experience in one or more of the following: theoretical physics, especially on topics related to statistical physics, kinetic theory, many-body physics, equilibrium and transport properties of solids, liquids, plasmas or warm dense matter. It is desired that the candidate is skilled in either analytical or simulation-based methods.
Previous Experience in Specialized Computational Methods
Experience in the development and application of molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo methods, and first-principles electronic-structure techniques.
Advanced Computing Experience
Familiarity with high-performance computing and Unix/Linux environments is desired. Experience in C, Fortran, or Python is also desired.

Clearance: A candidate with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance is desired, but not required. If eligible*, selected applicants will be subject to a Federal background investigation for access to classified matter. Non-US citizens are eligible for this position.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Manual 472.2 for additional information.
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:
To be fully considered for the position, please include a cover letter in which you detail how your experience relates to each of the required and desired skills as applicable. Regular post-doctoral appointments are for two years and are renewable for a third year. Outstanding Post-doctoral candidates (with several articles in reputable, peer-reviewed journals) may be eligible for a LANL Director's Fellowship, or the prestigious J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard P. Feynman, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

For specific inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Jerome Daligault (daligaul@lanl.gov).
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.
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About the Company

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Los Alamos National Laboratory