Computational Solid Mechanics - Postdoctoral Researcher

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher with to develop constitutive models and computational methods to simulate solid materials under dynamic loading.  This position is in the Atmospheric, Earth & Energy Division, Computational Geosciences Group, but will include work on a variety of materials systems, not limited to geomaterials.

In this role you will 

• Analyze available experimental data and identify and/or develop suitable constitutive model forms to describe strength, damage, rate, and thermal effects in a variety of engineering materials.
• Develop, adapt, refine, and evaluate numerical methods to mitigate mesh dependency associated with localization (e.g. brittle damage, thermal softening) in large-deformation numerical simulations (e.g. ALE, Eulerian hydrocodes, MPM)
• Use numerical optimization methods to parameterize complex material models based on available (limited, noisy, variable) data and physical constraints.
• Use mesoscale simulation to investigate the response of composite / heterogeneous materials under dynamic loading.
• Conduct large-deformation solid mechanics simulations to validate model for dynamic material response against experimental data.
• Interface with experimentalists from other research groups to accurately interpret experimental data and inform prioritization of new experiments to reduce modeling uncertainty.
• Present original research in conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ph.D. in mechanical/civil/materials engineering, applied math, condensed matter physics, engineering mechanics, computer science or related field.
• Experience in application or development of numerical methods for solid mechanics (e.g. FEM, MPM, SPH, ALE, hydrocodes, etc.)
• Experience with programming /code development for scientific or engineering applications.
• Self-driven with scientific curiosity and an enthusiasm for research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications We Desire:

Any of these would be useful, a candidate is not expected to have all of these qualifications

• Experience with numerical methods for large-deformation solid mechanics
• Experience with constitutive model development.
• Knowledge of theory and experimental methods relevant to the dynamic response (shock loading) of materials.
• Experience  in C++/python, especially experience with large legacy code base or coding for GPU.
• Experience with Linux systems and high-performance computing platforms.
• Experience with optimization methods for parameterization of physics models.

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

#smartjobs

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 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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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.

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