Postdoctoral Appointee - Shock Physics, Onsite

Responsibilities

• Support novel experimental design for shock compression studies of heterogeneous materials, including mechanical mixtures, granular and porous media, and earthen/geological materials.
• Fabricate and characterize target assemblies at SNL-CA.
• Analyze traditional diagnostics (PDV, PVDF, PZT, etc.) and integrate results into computational models.
• Build and execute Linux‑based workflows to run hydrocode calculations.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, adapting to each user facility’s procedures, requirements, and constraints.
• Coordinate and execute experiments at internal and external user facilities.
• Perform data analysis, including radiographic analysis and high‑speed imaging interpretation.
• Calibrate material models by correlating experimental observations with computational models.
• Document and present findings to internal and external stakeholders, including scientific conferences and multi‑organization meetings.
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Deep understanding of shock compression science and dynamic material response, with experience in areas such as:
  • Experimental shock physics (e.g., gas‑gun, explosive, pulsed‑power platforms)
  • Computational shock physics (e.g., hydrocodes, FEA, plasticity, etc.)
• PhD conferred within five years prior to employment.

• Documented record of designing and executing complex shock‑compression experiments to probe at least one of the following behaviors.
• Experience processing and interpreting image diagnostics, such as flash X‑ray, proton radiography, high‑speed optical/video.
• Highly collaborative work style, with demonstrated ability to coordinate with external facility staff.
• Hands‑on fabrication and metrology of shock physics target assemblies (alignment, tolerances).
• Familiarity with advanced diagnostics (VISAR/PDV, DIC, pyrometry, in‑situ strain gauges).
• Experience fielding experiments at user facilities under formal work‑control and readiness processes.
• Proficiency in developing data‑reduction pipelines and quantitative image analysis (uncertainty quantification, segmentation).
• Track record of integrating experimental data with simulations for model validation and parameter calibration.
• Strong publication record and effective scientific communication skills.

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 and any other protected class under state or federal law.