Mesoscale Modeling - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Flexible Benefits Package

401(k)

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct computational research on mesoscale models of interface thermodynamics and microstructure evolution in metals and metal oxides.

You will join the Computational Materials Science Group to develop models, run simulations on LLNL supercomputers, publish results, and collaborate across disciplines.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field as listed.
• Broad expertise in surface/interfacial mechanisms with mesoscale modeling experience.
• Experience with phase-field models and numerical methods in codes.
• Experience with PDE solvers (finite difference/finite element/spectral).
• Proven independent research outcomes and peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental and applied research on thermodynamics and kinetics of surface/interface phenomena.
• Develop integrated modeling/simulation capabilities for coupled processes.
• Design and run systematic simulations on LLNL supercomputers.
• Pursue independent research interests and collaborate across disciplines.
• Collaborate with scientists in multidisciplinary teams.
• Document research; publish in peer-reviewed journals and present results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Surface/Interfacial mechanisms

Phase-field modeling

Numerical PDE methods

Publications

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

FORTRAN

C/C++

Parallel computing

Job description

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct computational research in the area of mesoscopic modeling of interface thermodynamics and kinetics, as well as associated microstructure evolution of materials, focusing on (electro)chemical and/or (electro)chemo-mechanical degradation mechanisms. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of computational and experimental materials scientists utilizing world class computational and experimental research facilities to study the surfaces, interfaces, and microstructures of materials for structural and/or energy applications. This role will actively participate in the research and development of mesoscale computational models and codes for investigating mechanisms and simulating coupled interfacial processes in materials, including metals and metal oxides. This position is in the Computational Materials Science Group of the Materials Science Division.

• fundamental and applied research in the thermodynamics and kinetics of surface/interface phenomena and associated microstructure evolution of metals and/or metal oxides.
• Develop integrated modeling and simulation capabilities for simulating concurrent physical, chemical, and materials kinetic processes in materials.
• Design and perform systematic computer simulations on LLNL supercomputers to establish the foundational understanding of thermodynamic and kinetic surface/interfacial mechanisms in these materials.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with scientists in multidisciplinary team environment, including experimental and multiscale modeling experts.
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related field.
• Demonstrated broad expertise in surface/interfacial mechanisms and phase transformations, with experience in microstructure-resolved mesoscale modeling of reactive (electro)chemical and/or (electro)chemo-mechanical processes governing degradation and/or performance in metals and/or metal oxides.
• Experience with the development of phase-field models and the implementation of corresponding numerical methods in computer codes.
• Experience with numerical methods for solving partial differential equations such as finite difference, finite element, and/or spectral methods.
• Ability to develop independent research projects demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as reflected in effective presentations at seminars, meetings and/or teaching lectures.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with FORTRAN, C/C++, and parallel computing.
• Experience in theoretical/computational studies of material microstructure evolution involving microelasticity and/or plasticity effects.
• Experience with developing quantitative, parameterized phase-field models for interfacial processes and/or solid-state phase transformations of real materials systems (e.g., polycrystalline materials).

Pay Range

$123,048 Annually

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.