Computational Mechanics and Materials Postdoctoral Research Associate
Organisation Name: Idaho National Laboratory
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Responsibilities Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a recent Ph.D. graduate in nuclear engineering, materials science, or comparable discipline for a post-doctoral position in the Computational Mechanics and Materials Department. This role primarily focuses on atomistic simulations using density functional theory and molecular dynamics methods to characterize fundamental properties and atomic level dynamics, primarily in ionic solid systems. The ideal candidate would satisfy the following: · Strong background in fundamental materials science and solid-state physics. · Strong experience and skills in atomistic modeling and simulations, such as density functional theory, and molecular dynamics methods. · Experience with machine learning projects. · Ability to work well as part of a diverse, international, and inter-disciplinary team. · Ability to communicate their work at a high standard in the form of conference presentations, peer reviewed conference papers, and most importantly as peer-reviewed journal articles. · Hands-on experience with any of the following thermal property characterization techniques including laser flash analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dilatometry, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, modulated thermo-reflectance and mass spectrometry coupled with thermal analysis techniques is considered a plus. · Modeling experience in one of the following areas is considered a plus - heat transfer, kinetics, thermodynamics, condensed matter physics. The Computational Mechanics and Materials Department at Idaho National Laboratory develops next-generation software for simulating the response of nuclear fuel and reactor materials to harsh environments. The Grizzly (https://moose.inl.gov/grizzly), Bison (https://bison.inl.gov) and Marmot codes (https://moose.inl.gov/marmot) are examples of this software, all of which are multi-physics codes based on the open-source MOOSE finite element framework (https://mooseframework.inl.gov). The Department also seeks to understand the behavior of materials through the use of atomistic-scale simulation. QUALIFICATIONS Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or comparable discipline must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years. Demonstrated skills associated with computational materials techniques, i.e. density functional theory and molecular dynamics. Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills. Desired Qualifications: Theoretical knowledge on the condensed matter physics and thermophysical properties. Solid background in computational material science or computational mechanics. Ability to organize activities relative to work package scope, deliverables, and milestones. Demonstrated ability to collaborate productively with others. Demonstrated ability to conceive and execute computational materials science research. Good technical writing and oral communication skills. Practical knowledge and experience in experimental thermal property characterization is an asset. An understanding of hydride formation and behavior is an asset. ** Must be able to work in a culturally diverse work environment.** Selective Service Requirements To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). This includes U.S. born and naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, refugees, and all males with visas of any kind which expired more than 30 days ago. The few individuals who are exempt from this requirement are those on current non-immigrant visas. For more information see www.sss.gov. Employee Job Functions Employee Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job position which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards. Motor Abilities: Fine motor control (hands); Repetitive work - intermittent. Special Senses: Visually demanding work; Near vision; Speech discrimination. Work Conditions: Stairs; Typing/keyboard; >8 Hrs/day; Working alone. Please Apply Before: October 1, 2020 (Midnight MDT) Environmental, Safety and Health Statement Must be familiar with, and comply with all relevant health and safety requirements. Must be knowledgeable of emergency action policies and procedures, methods for reporting/resolving work practices or conditions to available cognizant professionals. Other Information When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration. INL Overview INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 4,300 scientists, researchers and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and develop technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security and environmental missions. The Idaho Falls Area Idaho Falls is conveniently situated near many national treasures such as Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, Jackson, WY, etc. For more information about the area, please visit www.visitidahofalls.com and www.visitidaho.org.
