Electromagnetics​/Plasma Postdoctoral Appointee, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

We are seeking a postdoctoral appointee to advance research and development in electromagnetics and plasma physics applications.

• Electromagnetic coupling to cavities
• Susceptibility of electronics to high‑power microwave sources
• Understanding magnetically insulated transmission line flows for pulsed power, and other relevant applications from electromagnetic theory to directed nuclear weapons stockpile work.

The successful candidate will perform analyses using our group's in‑house electromagnetic and plasma software simulation suite, utilize the Department of Energy's supercomputing facilities, and collaborate closely with partner experimental organizations for validation of those capabilities. The role requires willingness to broaden expertise across a range of electromagnetics and plasma regimes and to work with other analysts, developers, and experimentalists in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment.

Journal publications, conference presentations, and Sandia mission impact will be expected outcomes of this research.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite at Sandia New Mexico. Relocation will be provided for qualifying candidates.

• PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, or a related engineering discipline conferred within five (5) years of the start date.
• Experience in simulation of electromagnetics and/or plasma physics phenomena.
• Experience in programming using scripting languages (Python, shell, etc.).

• Background in validation of electromagnetics and/or plasma physics simulations with experimental data.
• Experience with utilizing high‑performance computing (HPC) resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work with others and contribute in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to be flexible in assignments and develop expertise in different areas of electromagnetics and plasma physics.

The Radiation/Plasma Analyses department brings together a diverse team to perform research and analysis using advanced theory, modeling, and simulation tools for neutron/radiation transport and plasma physics applications. We primarily use the RAMSES code suite, developed in our group, to deliver credible analysis products supporting Sandia's nuclear deterrence mission and pulsed‑power experimental facilities.

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. A pre‑employment drug test and background review, including checks of references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications, will be conducted. Candidates may be subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for accessing classified information if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under state or federal law.

If the candidate has a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) such as a pacemaker or other implantable device, compliance with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs may be required before an on‑site interview.

This postdoctoral position is temporary for up to one year, may be renewed for up to five additional years at Sandia's discretion, and the PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment. Postdoctoral positions may be converted to regular career positions if warranted by ongoing operational needs, sufficient availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.