Materials Physics - Academic Graduate Appointee

We have an opening for a Materials Physics Academic Graduate Appointee to support dynamic loading experiments on High Energy Density facilities and help to develop improved material models.  This position is in the Equation of State – Capability Development and Applications Group in the Physics Division.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, designing and interpreting experiments on the response of matter to dynamic loading;
• Perform hydrocode simulations of the experiments and their applications;
• Contribute to the development of advanced models of material behavior involving fundamental atomistic concepts and calculations;
• Analyze results and prepare technical reports and presentations as appropriate;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Masters degree in physics, chemistry, engineering or similar numerate subject.
• Knowledge of fluid mechanics, continuum mechanics, thermodynamics, and thermally-activated processes.
• Knowledge of materials science and the properties of crystalline materials at elevated pressure, e.g. phase transitions.
• Awareness of numerical methods for solving differential equations and some of their limitations.
• Experience participating in experimental science or interacting with experimental teams.
• Computer literacy, including office applications, data processing/programming, and preparation of graphs and technical materials.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of hydrodynamics or shock physics.
• Knowledge of quantum mechanics and its application to the electronic structure of matter.
• Knowledge of experience of physics or engineering relevant to diagnostics for dynamic loading experiments, e.g. x-ray diffraction, laser interferometry, radiography.
• Knowledge or experience of design engineering, i.e. optimizing a system to achieve a desired performance.
• Experience of a programming language such as Python.
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

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• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

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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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