Computational Materials Modeling Postdoctoral Researcher

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Comprehensive relocation package

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, applied mathematics, or related fields at its Idaho Falls facility on a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.

The role blends experimental and computational work to evaluate material performance, from microstructure measurements to full-scale system predictions, collaborating across teams and publishing research results.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science or applied mathematics.
• PhD requirements completed by appointment and within the previous five years.
• Ability to obtain a DOE L clearance (US citizenship).
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.
• Familiarity with data analysis languages and tools such as C++, Python, Matlab, R, Octave or similar.
• Willingness to learn by doing.

Responsibilities

• Develop hybrid experimental/computational framework for material performance evaluation.
• Work with teams providing data, running experiments and physics-based ML models.
• Write reports and scientific manuscripts for publication; present results at conferences.

Skills

C++

Python

Matlab

R

Octave

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Applied Mathematics

Tools

AbstrO

LS-DYNA

Abaqus Explicit

Ansys Explicit

Peridigm

CTH

ALEGRA

ALE3D

EPIC

Sierra

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mathematics, or a comparable discipline for National Security Solutions (D110). Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Successful candidates will be helping to develop a hybrid experimental/computational framework to support evaluation of material performance in engineered systems. This framework will span from microstructure measurements to performance predictions in full-scale systems. The team will implement traditional, high-fidelity models, create simplified surrogates, and quantify the uncertainties in these analyses. This effort will require working with other teams that provide data, run experiments, and develop physics-based machine-learning models.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing reports, scientific manuscripts for publication, and potentially presentation of research results at national conferences and meetings. Much of the publication and presentation will be limited distribution.

Required:

• PhD in in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mathematics or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Ability to get a DOE L clearance, which requires US citizenship.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with data analysis languages and tools such as C++, Python, Matlab, R, Octave, or similar.
• Willingness to learn by doing.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Candidates must demonstrate experience with the development of surrogate models, the quantification of uncertainties, and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Microstructure reconstruction from EBSD and similar datasets and surrogate microstructure generation
    • Crystal plasticity modeling with surrogate and reconstructed meshes
  • Physics-based fatigue modeling
    • Crack growth modeling
    • Microstructural dependent fatigue life prediction
  • Dynamic material response
    • Design and analysis of experiments using laser shock, parallel plate impact, Kolsky Bar, or similar.
    • Continuum scale explicit dynamic modeling. Ideally this should include use of software tools such as Abstrao, LS dyna, Abaqus Explicit, Ansys Explicit, Peridigm, CTH, ALEGRA, ALE3D, EPIC, Sierra, or similar tools.
    • Mesh generation tools such as Cubit, GMSH, Hypermesh or similar.
    • Linux OS especially in a high performance computing environment.
    • SLURM, PBS, or other job scheduling tools commonly used on HPC systems

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.