Postdoctoral Appointee - Shock Physics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, CA, seeks a research scientist to advance shock compression studies of heterogeneous materials. You will design experiments, fabricate target assemblies, and analyze diagnostics to inform computational models.

The role requires a PhD and experience in experimental and computational shock physics, collaboration with facility staff, and publication activity. The work is onsite at Sandia's Livermore facilities, with opportunities to present at conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline with strong shock physics background.
• Experience designing and executing shock-physics experiments.
• Ability to couple experimental observations with simulations for calibration.

Responsibilities

• Support experimental design for shock compression studies of heterogeneous materials.
• Fabricate and characterize target assemblies at SNL-CA.
• Analyze diagnostics and integrate results into computational models.
• Build and execute Linux-based workflows to run hydrocode calculations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external facilities.
• Document findings and present at conferences and meetings.

Skills

Shock compression science

Dynamic material response

Experimental shock physics

Computational shock physics

Hydrocode/FEA

Image diagnostics interpretation

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Data reduction & uncertainty

Education

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical/Physics or related

PhD conferred within 5 years

Tools

Hydrocodes

FEA

VISAR/PDV

DIC/pyrometry

Job description

Responsibilities

• Support novel experimental design for shock compression studies of heterogeneous materials, including mechanical mixtures, granular and porous media, and earthen/geological materials.
• Fabricate and characterize target assemblies at SNL-CA.
• Analyze traditional diagnostics (PDV, PVDF, PZT, etc.) and integrate results into computational models.
• Build and execute Linux‑based workflows to run hydrocode calculations.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, adapting to each user facility’s procedures, requirements, and constraints.
• Coordinate and execute experiments at internal and external user facilities.
• Perform data analysis, including radiographic analysis and high‑speed imaging interpretation.
• Calibrate material models by correlating experimental observations with computational models.
• Document and present findings to internal and external stakeholders, including scientific conferences and multi‑organization meetings.
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Deep understanding of shock compression science and dynamic material response, with experience in areas such as:
  • Experimental shock physics (e.g., gas‑gun, explosive, pulsed‑power platforms)
  • Computational shock physics (e.g., hydrocodes, FEA, plasticity, etc.)
• PhD conferred within five years prior to employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Documented record of designing and executing complex shock‑compression experiments to probe at least one of the following behaviors.
• Experience processing and interpreting image diagnostics, such as flash X‑ray, proton radiography, high‑speed optical/video.
• Highly collaborative work style, with demonstrated ability to coordinate with external facility staff.
• Hands‑on fabrication and metrology of shock physics target assemblies (alignment, tolerances).
• Familiarity with advanced diagnostics (VISAR/PDV, DIC, pyrometry, in‑situ strain gauges).
• Experience fielding experiments at user facilities under formal work‑control and readiness processes.
• Proficiency in developing data‑reduction pipelines and quantitative image analysis (uncertainty quantification, segmentation).
• Track record of integrating experimental data with simulations for model validation and parameter calibration.
• Strong publication record and effective scientific communication skills.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.