Postdoctoral Research Member

Position: Postdoctoral Research Staff Member

Postdoctoral Research Staff Member

Position at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to perform research and development of finite element (FEM) discretizations and automatic differentiation (AD) algorithms for high‑performance computing (HPC) applications based on the MFEM finite element library.

Company Description

Join a group of bright scientists that strengthen United States security through solutions for big ideas. LLNL fosters a culture valuing talent, partnerships, and diverse perspectives to advance the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$138,480 Annually (salary determined by qualifications, experience, performance, and other factors).

Job Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member to conduct research and development in support of LLNL multiphysics HPC applications. The role focuses on high‑order Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) radiation‑hydrodynamics and structural mechanics with contact on GPU systems like El Capitan.

You Will

• Collaborate with scientists across LLNL on research to enable differentiable simulations in large‑scale multiphysics codes.
• Research new algorithms for efficient, scalable high‑order FEM meshing, discretizations, and solvers.
• Implement and test methods in the MFEM library, targeting flexible user interfaces and GPU scalability.
• Work with application teams to incorporate, evaluate, and improve differentiable algorithms in specific projects.
• Document progress via technical reports, journal publications, and conference presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or related field.
• Knowledge of FEM for PDE discretizations on unstructured meshes.
• Experience developing complex C++ software in a Linux environment.
• Demonstrated independent research through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills for technical reports and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with high‑order FEM and the MFEM library.
• Knowledge of automatic differentiation techniques and tools such as Enzyme.
• Experience with ALE radiation‑hydrodynamics or similar physics.
• Experience developing large‑scale parallel scientific software with MPI.
• Experience with GPU programming using CUDA or HIP.

Additional Information

• Postdoctoral appointment with possibility of extending to a maximum of three years, open to those who have earned a Ph.D. by the hire date.

Benefits

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

Security Clearance

None required. Applicants assigned >179 days of service in a calendar year must complete a Personal Identity Verification process.

NDAA

Position subject to 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, Section 3112. Eligible candidates must comply with restrictions for citizens of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea without dual U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence.

Pre‑Employment Drug Test

Selected external applicants must pass a post‑offer, pre‑employment drug test, including testing for marijuana under federal law.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Applicants may be required to work in Limited Areas where personal mobile devices are restricted. Medical devices that pair with mobile devices also follow these restrictions.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to a discrimination‑free workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to protected characteristics.

Reasonable Accommodation

Request reasonable accommodations during the application process via our online form.

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