Computational Material Science Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral candidate in the area of computational material science, with an emphasis on deformation mechanisms in polycrystalline metals and alloys. Successful applicants will work in Group T-1 (Physics and Chemistry of Materials) of the Theoretical Division and collaborate with a larger group of scientists and postdocs from XCP, MST, and MPA-CINT organizations. The Post-doctoral Researcher will analyze molecular dynamics simulations to investigate defect evolution in metals at the nanoscale with particular emphasis on the interaction of dislocations and grain boundary interfaces. The open position is focused on:

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  Applying the recently developed Strain Functional Descriptors to analyze structure-property correlations in grain boundaries from molecular dynamics simulations
  
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  Using machine learning and other data reduction techniques to analyze this simulation data and upscale the results to mesoscale (phase field) models.
  

This postdoctoral position is part of a larger project that is focused on modeling dislocation – grain boundary interactions in metals and alloys across several modeling length scales (atomistic, mesoscale, and continuum) with validation from experiments. The successful applicant will be expected to integrate with the project team broadly, coordinate sharing information with lower and/or higher length scale models, and coordinate with experimentalists to validate new model enhancements. The results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at prominent conferences.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

o   Understanding of microstructural evolution, dislocation-grain boundary interactions, and interactions of dislocation/defect densities.

o   Experience with supervised and unsupervised machine learning/data reduction techniques

o   Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.

o   Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible enough to learn new areas of research as needed.

o   Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise.

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 maternity and parental leave

§  Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§  Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§  Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)

§  Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§  Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

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.