Design Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

Design Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoctoral Research Fellowship) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory – the Strategic Deterrence Directorate. The successful candidate will work with simulation and experimental teams to design, model, conduct, and analyze data from ring and cylinder experiments on aluminum alloys under extreme loading conditions. Research will focus on how geometry, microstructure, internal defects, and shock‑generated damage influence metal fracture and fragmentation.

The position may include supporting proposal development, comparing aluminum grades, conducting sensitivity studies, calibrating material models, and interpreting experimental radiography and post‑mortem data.

• Learn and apply LLNL‑developed hydrodynamic code to assess loading conditions and predict material response in published experiments.
• Collaborate on the design, execution, and analysis of explosively driven ring experiments.
• Gain exposure to complex alloys, in addition to common engineering grades of aluminum and stainless steel.
• Collaborate with material strength and damage model developers to implement and evaluate various models for suitability.
• Help develop proposal concepts, figures, and supporting technical arguments.
• Develop new tools, algorithms, and design new experiments to advance scientific understanding.
• Conduct research using massively parallel computer platforms to solve scientific challenges.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals, and present results at external conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in a related physical science, engineering, materials science, or applied mathematics discipline.
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Significant accomplishments in numerical simulations, modeling, or application of theoretical techniques.
• Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with computational mechanics, high‑strain‑rate behavior of metals, or dynamic failure modeling.
• Familiarity with fracture, damage evolution, fragmentation, or shock loading.
• Interest and enthusiasm for supporting LLNL’s broader mission through experimental platform development.

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Relocation assistance
• Education reimbursement program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

• Requires a Department of Energy Q‑level clearance; a Federal background investigation will determine eligibility.
• All Q‑cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.
• External applicants must pass a post‑offer, pre‑employment drug test, including testing for marijuana.

Annual salary: $135,768 (base pay). The appointment is for a maximum of three years, extendable upon evaluation.

Postdoctoral appointment with hybrid work flexibility after the probationary period.