Materials Modeling of Plasticity and Microstructure Evolution Postdoctoral Research Associate

** What You Will Do*
* The MST-8 Structure/Property Relations group at Los Alamos National Laboratory has exceptional opportunities for postdoc candidates in the field of microstructure aware materials modeling, particularly mesoscale modeling of plasticity, recrystallization, phase transformation, and damage in heterogeneous crystalline metals.

The selected candidate will join the Microstructure Response and Degradation Science (MRDS) team within MST-8. The MRDS team advances the understanding and prediction of material behavior under demanding service conditions. The team integrates advanced microstructural characterization with physics-based modeling to determine how microstructure governs deformation, damage accumulation, and long-term degradation. Its research spans multiple length scales and examines the effects of radiation, temperature, stress, corrosion, and other coupled extreme environments on metals, ceramics, and other material systems.

By combining experiments, modeling, and data-driven analysis, the team develops integrated tools for materials qualification, lifetime prediction, and the design of more reliable materials for national security, nuclear energy, fusion, and other mission applications.

The successful candidate will have a strong publication record, an interdisciplinary research philosophy, and the ability to effectively communicate with researchers with varied backgrounds. As a postdoctoral research associate, you will be given 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 third year possible based on performance and funding.

The successful candidate will lead the development of advanced, mechanistic-based, crystal plasticity constitutive models to predict the behavior of nuclear structural materials and cladding materials under operational and off-normal conditions. The model will capture multiple deformation mechanisms, microstructure evolution, recrystallization phase transformations, and degradation in these materials, while providing an accurate mechanical response. This fundamental modeling work will support broader engineering program efforts in reduced-order model (ROM) development, uncertainty quantification, and implementation via ROM in Multiphysics simulation frameworks.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

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* + Strong knowledge of deformation mechanisms in metals, such as dislocation plasticity, deformation twinning, and grain-boundary-mediated deformation

+  Demonstrated experience with crystal plasticity, microstructure evolution, or mechanistic modeling of mechanical behavior in crystalline materials

+  Demonstrated knowledge of metals deformation behavior, microstructure evolution, and microstructure-property relationships

+  

Experience with either FFT or finite element-based mechanical solvers

+  A record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals

** Desired

Qualifications:

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* + Experience in finite element-based simulations

+  

Experience with phase field modeling and/or modeling phase transformations

+  Experience in Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based simulations

+  Familiarity with the MOOSE-FE framework

+  

Experience with hexagonal closed-packed (HCP) metals (zirconium alloys, titanium alloys, magnesium alloys) or body-centered cubic (BCC)/body-centered tetragonal (BCT) materials (ferritic-martensitic steels, other advanced steels)

+  Knowledge of hydrogen effects in metals and hydride formation mechanisms

+  Ability to effectively program in C++, Python, or Fortran

+  Ability to adapt to new project requirements and learn new tools as needed

+  

Experience with Cohesive Zone Modeling

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* Education:

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* A PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.

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* Work Location:

** The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

** Note to Applicants:*
* Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic…