Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Modeling of Plasticity and Microstructure Evolution

What You Will Do

The MST-8 Materials Science and Technology group at Los Alamos National Laboratory offers postdoctoral opportunities in materials modeling, focusing on atomistic and mesoscale modeling of plasticity, deformation twinning, recrystallization, and damage in heterogeneous crystalline metals.

The selected candidate will join the MATEE (Materials Modeling And Characterization under Extreme Environments) team within MST-8. The team develops and employs advanced computational mechanics models to predict the effects of extreme and complex environments on both mechanical response and microstructure evolution in materials. Environments considered include high stresses, temperatures, radiation, and corrosion. The work adopts hierarchical and integrated multiscale modeling and characterization strategies for mechanical deformation problems.

As a postdoctoral research associate, you will have the opportunity to publish results in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals and present at well‑known conferences. The position is for two years, with a possible third year based on performance and funding.

You will lead the development and application of multiscale computational models for hexagonal close‑packed materials, emphasizing atomistic modeling, deformation twinning, twin‑grain‑boundary interactions, microstructure evolution, and recrystallization. Your work will link atomistic and lower‑scale mechanisms to mesoscale and continuum descriptions of plastic deformation and microstructure evolution, including the effects of grain boundaries, twin networks, prior microstructure, and texture. You will contribute to atomistic, phase‑field, and related modeling approaches to predict deformation twinning, recrystallization, grain‑size evolution, and texture‑sensitive material response under representative thermomechanical conditions, using reproducible high‑performance computing workflows and uncertainty‑aware model development.

• Strong knowledge of deformation mechanisms in metals, including dislocation plasticity, deformation twinning, and grain‑boundary‑mediated deformation.
• Experience with computational modeling of plasticity, microstructure evolution, or mechanical behavior in crystalline materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of metal deformation behavior, microstructure evolution, and microstructure‑property relationships.
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications in relevant journals.

• Experience in atomistic simulations.
• Experience in finite element‑based simulations.
• Experience in phase‑field modeling.
• Experience in Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)–based simulations.
• Experience with hexagonal close‑packed metals, zirconium alloys, titanium alloys, magnesium alloys, or related structural materials.
• Ability to program in C++, Python, or Fortran.
• Ability to adapt to new project requirements and learn new tools as needed.

A PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Onsite in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission of national security laboratories.

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages outside a 50‑mile radius.

Position requires Q clearance. Candidates must be United States citizens or meet U.S. citizenship requirements for obtaining classified access. Clearance determination is ultimately a decision of the Federal Government.

Successful applicants must complete a…