Atomistic Modeling Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study defects in ionic oxides under irradiation using density functional theory and molecular dynamics. You will examine point defects, grain boundaries, and heterointerfaces and connect findings with experimental efforts to understand structural and chemical evolution under extreme environments.

The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration across ion beam irradiation, electrochemical analysis, synchrotron x-ray

Qualifications

• Experience with atomic scale modeling techniques including density functional theory and molecular dynamics.
• Defect chemistry and the role of charge on defect properties in ionic materials.
• Ability to convey research results via publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Support the study of materials under extreme conditions, particularly under irradiation, using atomistic modeling.
• Generate insights on defects and grain boundaries in oxide ceramics and integrate with experimental efforts.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning ion beam irradiation, electrochemical analysis, synchrotron x-ray analysis, and electron microscopy.

Skills

Atomic scale modeling

Density functional theory

Molecular dynamics

Defect chemistry

Independent research

Collaborative research

Publications & presentations

Education

Ph.D. in physics, materials science, applied physics or closely related field

Job description

What You Will Do

MST-8 is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the study of materials under extreme conditions, particularly under irradiation. This position will focus on applying atomic scale simulation methods - density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and accelerated molecular dynamics - to the study of defects in ionic oxides as they pertain to performance under extreme environments. The successful candidate will examine point defect properties as a function of oxide chemistry and crystal structure, determine the structure and properties of grain boundaries and heterointerfaces in oxide ceramics, and integrate result with companion experimental efforts to understand the structural, chemical, and electronic evolution of these materials under extreme conditions.

The postdoctoral researcher will work as part of multidisciplinary teams connecting ion beam irradiation, electrochemical analysis, synchrotron x-ray analysis, atomistic modeling, and advanced electron microscopy. The position will include integrating atomic scale information into higher level models of defect evolution in materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience with atomic scale modeling techniques including density functional theory and molecular dynamics.
• Demonstrated expertise on the properties of defects in ionic materials, including defect chemistry and the role of charge on defect properties.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in computational materials science at the atomistic scale.
• Demonstrated ability to meet technical milestones, project deliverables, and sponsor expectations in a research or development environment.
• Demonstrated ability to convey research results via publications and presentations.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of radiation effects in oxides.
• Familiarity with modeling techniques for materials beyond the atomic scale.
• Experience considering the interaction of electric fields with the properties of materials.
• Exceptional communication skills of novel and advanced techniques to both highly-technical and broad audiences.
• Experience developing and modifying software to support scientific investigations.

Education

Ph.D. in physics, materials science, applied physics, or a closely related field.

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

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

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

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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.