Postdoctoral Appointee - Computational Modeling and Simulation Code Verification and VVUQ, Onsite

Job Summary

The Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ) Department is seeking a Postdoctoral Computational Engineer or Computational Physicist. This individual will perform research and development associated with code verification of computational‑physics codes across a variety of disciplines. The candidate will work closely with subject matter experts across modeling and simulation, including code development, mathematics, physics, engineering, and VVUQ, to develop and apply novel code‑verification approaches to challenging problems related to Sandia’s core mission.

The position is located in Albuquerque, NM and the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Relocation will be provided for those that qualify.

• Implementing and using manufactured and exact solutions to perform verification on computational physics codes that span different physics disciplines.
• Developing novel and/or rigorous techniques to support these efforts and modifying existing codes to include these capabilities.
• Documenting, publishing, and presenting work internally and externally.
• Supporting other focuses of the department.

• PhD in engineering (e.g., aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, nuclear) or natural science (e.g., mathematics, physics) conferred within 5 years of the start date.
• Background in computational physics, including one or more of the following disciplines: fluid dynamics (CFD), solid mechanics, electromagnetics (EM), heat transfer, radiation, plasma, or other relevant areas.
• Background in numerical methods, including one or more of the following methods: finite elements, finite differences, finite volumes, particle‑in‑cell, Monte Carlo, deterministic radiation transport, or other methods used to solve partial differential equations (PDEs) and integro‑partial differential equations.
• Interest in performing verification, validation, and/or uncertainty quantification.
• Openness to working on different physics disciplines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and an ability to interact well with fellow technical workers with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance.

• Experience in code and solution verification, including the use of exact and manufactured solutions (MMS).
• Programming language experience in Fortran, C, or C++.
• Scripting language experience in Matlab or Python.
• History of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences.

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.