Explosive Modeler - Staff Scientist

Job Description

We have an opening for a Staff Scientist to perform research, development, and application activities in support of Laboratory missions. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in the development and application of high explosive models predicting detonation performance in response to complex stimuli. This position is in the Reaction Dynamics Group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

• Develop advanced high explosive detonation models based on fundamental chemical and physical mechanisms.
• Interact with experimental groups and incorporate information from advanced experiments into current and developmental high explosives models to improve model fidelity.
• Systematically validate models against a suite of experimental data.
• Develop uncertainty quantification methods based on utilizing statistical approaches and/or machine learning.
• Provide solutions and creative approaches to ensure project needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Contribute to project/program milestone completion and provide solutions to complex problems that may not be well defined. You will be expected to interact closely with other team members as well as work independently with minimal direction when appropriate.
• Interact with the physics and engineering design staff and other users to support responsive model development and insertion options.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Contribute to developing a strategy to improve detonation models by incorporating initial conditions, morphology, and chemical variations to expand capabilities into adjacent domains.
• Actively support and guide experimental campaigns involving energetic materials to benchmark current models and advance model development to address complex problems relevant to national security missions.
• Create innovative methods, technologies, and knowledge in detonation modeling.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in chemistry, physics, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Knowledge of shock wave physics, physical and chemical kinetics, statistical and thermodynamic methods.
• Familiarity with scientific programming, code development practices, and proficiency in one or more high-level programming/scripting languages.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.

• Demonstrated expertise in detonation physics and energetic materials modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and a strong track record mentoring scientific staff.
• Strong track record of publications and/or technical reporting.

• Experience working in energetic materials research at a Department of Energy (DOE) and/or Department of Defense (DoD) facility or equivalent with stringent safety and security policies.
• Knowledge of supercomputer applications in material modeling and energetic materials research.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques applicable to material model development and/or complex hydrodynamic simulations.

SES.
3 Level: $175,530 – $222,564 Annually

SES.
4 Level: $210,630 – $267,060 Annually

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If the final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

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. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

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.

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,…