Mesoscale Modeling of Interface Thermodynamics and Kinetics in Materials Postdoctoral Researcher

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 1) microstructure-aware interface formation mechanisms and 2) microstructure-aware interface degradation mechanisms. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of computational materials scientists and experimental metallurgists/surface scientists utilizing world class computational and experimental research facilities to study the surfaces, interfaces, and microstructures of metals and alloys. The successful applicant 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.

You will 

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in the thermodynamics and kinetics of surface/interface phenomena and associated microstructure evolution of metals and 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.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related field.
• Demonstrated broad-based knowledge in surface/interfacial mechanisms and phase transformations, along with experience with microstructure-level mesoscale modeling of associated chemical and/or chemo-mechanical processes 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.
• Experience writing computer codes and/or advanced numerical solvers.
• 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.

Qualifications We Desire

• 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).

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 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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. 

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.

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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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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. 

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