Postdoctoral Appointee - Plasma Physics, Onsite

Postdoctoral Appointee - Plasma Physics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is a leading science and engineering lab focused on national security and technology innovation.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance research and development in electromagnetic plasma physics applications, focusing on radiation-driven plasma phenomena, beam interactions with dense background gases, and magnetically insulated transmission line behavior for pulsed power systems. The role may explore other relevant applications from plasma theory to directed nuclear weapons stockpile work.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Perform analyses using the group's in-house electromagnetic plasma software simulation suite, leveraging DOE’s advanced supercomputing facilities.

Collaborate closely with partner experimental organizations to validate the capabilities.

Expand expertise across plasma physics regimes, working with analysts, developers, and experimentalists in a multidisciplinary environment. Publication of journal articles, conference presentations, and impact on Sandia missions are expected outcomes.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite at Sandia New Mexico.

Qualifications We Require:

PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, or a related engineering discipline conferred within 5 years of the start date.

Experience in simulation of plasma physics phenomena.

Experience in programming using scripting languages (Python, shell, etc.).

Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications We Desire:

Background in validation of plasma physics simulations using experimental data.

Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) resources.

Scientific programming experience in C++.

Demonstrated ability to work with others and contribute in a team environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Willingness to be flexible in assignments and develop expertise in different areas of plasma physics.

About Our Team:

The Radiation/Plasma Analyses department brings together a team with diverse backgrounds to perform research and analysis using advanced theory, modeling, and simulation tools to address neutron/radiation transport and plasma physics applications. The RAMSES code suite is developed in the group to deliver credible analysis products for Sandia’s nuclear deterrence mission and support pulsed‑power experimental facilities.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Position Information:

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, renewable at Sandia’s discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.