Postdoctoral Researcher - Theory​/Simulations Dense Matter

What You Will Do

The Materials and Physical Data Group of the X-Computational Physics Division (XCP-5) seeks highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral research position focused on the development of kinetic theory frameworks and their application to warm dense matter, a regime at the intersection of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. The goal of this work is to connect microscopic physics to macroscopic behavior in regimes where strong Coulomb interactions, thermal excitations, structural disorder, and quantum effects coexist, rendering standard descriptions based on limiting states inadequate.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of kinetic theory approaches specifically designed for these intermediate conditions. Research activities will involve a range of theoretical and computational methods, including techniques from statistical mechanics and classical and quantum many-body physics, as well as classical and quantum atomistic simulations. The selected candidate will be encouraged to translate fundamental results into practical constitutive models suitable for use in large-scale simulation codes and to relate theoretical and computational findings to current experimental results.

The project scope is flexible and may be tailored to combine several aspects of theory, modeling, and simulation, depending on the candidate's background, strengths, and research interests.

XCP-5 is an interdisciplinary group which develops, implements, and validates constitutive models (material strength, damage and failure, etc.), equations of state (EOS), and physical data libraries including opacities and nuclear cross-sections for use in large-scale simulation codes; additionally, some group members collaborate in the design and analysis of small-scale and integral validation experiments for material models and physical data. XCP-5 offers an exciting, flexible, scientifically challenging work environment with many opportunities to collaborate with the broader LANL scientific community.

• A strong background in one or more of the following fields: condensed matter physics, statistical physics, plasma physics, atomic physics, theoretical physics, and classical and/or quantum molecular simulations.
• Computing
  
  Experience:
  
  experience with scientific computing and programming in C, Fortran, or Python, etc.
• Communication: strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a willingness to collaborate with diverse scientific communities at LANL, nationally, and internationally.
• Publication and Presentation Record: demonstrated expertise in physics through peer‑reviewed publications and technical presentations.
• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  a Ph.D. in physics or a related field. A candidate may be considered for a postdoctoral position within five years of receiving their Ph.D. or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

• Specialized Previous
  
  Experience:
  
  experience in theoretical physics, especially on topics related to statistical physics, kinetic theory, many‑body physics, equilibrium and transport properties of solids, liquids, plasmas or warm dense matter. It is desired that the candidate is skilled in either analytical or simulation‑based methods.
• Previous Experience in Specialized Computational Methods: experience in the development and application of molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo methods, and first‑principles electronic‑structure techniques.
• Advanced Computing
  
  Experience:
  
  familiarity with high‑performance computing and Unix/Linux environments is desired. Experience in C, Fortran, or Python is also desired.

A candidate with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance is desired, but not required. If eligible, selected applicants will be subject to a Federal background investigation for access to classified matter. Non‑US citizens are eligible for this position.
* Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances.

Work Location:

The work location for this…