Postdoctoral Appointee Materials Mechanics and Nanomechanics, Onsite

Postdoctoral Appointee for Materials Mechanics and Nanomechanics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. The Materials Mechanics and Nanomechanics team focuses on experimental research in the mechanical behavior of materials and autonomous experimentation.

What You Will Do:

Explore the mechanical behavior of materials across length scales using advanced techniques such as nanoindentation, micropillar compression, MEMS‑based thin‑film testing, microtensile methods, and conventional load‑frame mechanical testing. Investigate nanocrystalline metals, thin‑film systems, additively manufactured alloys, and architected metamaterials for applications in structural materials, micro/nano‑devices, and flexible electronics.

Contribute to autonomous and agentic experimentation by designing and implementing AI/ML‑driven closed‑loop testing workflows and high‑throughput, self‑driving mechanical characterization. Generate rich process‑structure‑property datasets that integrate with modeling and simulation efforts across the laboratory.

Leverage nanomechanical testing platforms including instrumented nanoindentation, custom MEMS‑based actuators, and in situ electron microscopy with access to highly specialized facilities at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) and Sandia’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (CAMINO).

Participate in collaborative research with scientists across departments, contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, and engage in cross‑disciplinary projects and partnerships.

Qualifications We Require:

• PhD in a physical science or engineering discipline (e.g., Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field) conferred within five years prior to employment.
• Experience with mechanical testing of materials (conventional load‑frame, nanoindentation, micropillar compression, thin‑film testing, or related techniques).
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, TEM, X‑ray diffraction, or other methods.
• Documented experience in oral presentations and published communication.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experience with in situ electron microscopy experiments (nanomechanical testing, heating, environmental exposure, etc.).
• Experience with autonomous experimentation, Bayesian optimization, active learning, or AI/ML‑driven experimental workflows.
• Proficiency with programming for instrument control, data analysis, and workflow automation (Python or equivalent).
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes and characterization of additively manufactured materials.
• Familiarity with thin‑film deposition, processing, and microstructural characterization.
• Experience using electron microscopy for diffraction and defect analysis.
• Familiarity with constitutive modeling, finite‑element analysis, or molecular dynamics as applied to mechanical behavior.
• Capacity for conception, design, control, and execution of experiments.
• Ability to work independently with strong scientific judgment and collaborate within a diverse team.
• Experience with MEMS‑based mechanical testing, microtensile methods, or other custom small‑scale testing platforms.

Benefits:

• Generous vacation and strong medical and other benefits.
• Competitive 401(k) plan.
• Learning opportunities and relocation assistance.
• Work‑life balance focus with flexible work arrangements for many positions.

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