Postdoctoral Appointee

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee interested in developing theory, conducting experiments, and modeling in the following research areas:

• Thermal and mechanical damage processes and effects, ignition, reaction, and transition to detonation of energetic materials.
• Characterization of energetic materials and their physical and chemical properties.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with scientists and engineers to understand, model, and predict how energetic materials incur thermal damage and the effect of the damage on thermal runaway and reaction violence.
• Define, conduct, and analyze experiments involving the slow thermal heating and runaway of energetic materials.
• Develop capabilities for measuring and modeling the dynamic and reactive nature of evolving thermal damage in energetic materials.
• Develop and validate physics-based models demonstrating how thermal damage governs pre-runaway and runaway behavior of energetic materials.
• Work with scientists and engineers to mathematically describe the nature of mechanical damage on an energetic material for input into predictive performance models.
• Define and conduct experiments using low-strain rates to mechanically damage materials.
• Develop methods to measure the dynamic damage induced to materials.
• Develop theories and models to describe the evolving material changes of an energetic material under dynamic loads.

The successful candidate may be preferentially focused on one of the two above areas.

The position will involve working in partnership with a technologist in the lab.

Work is expected to be presented and published. Some travel to present the work is expected.

Selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications

We Require:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Material Science or related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.
• Experience conducting laboratory operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

We Desire:

• Experience modeling or working with modelers to build an understanding of chemical/physical reactive processes in either slow or fast temporal regimes.
• An active DOE Q clearance.
• Ability to apply safety policies associated with working in a laboratory, including critical thinking to ensure safety when working independently and with others.
• Experience with deducing mechanisms and kinetics of dynamic/reactive organic and/or inorganic systems.
• Proven computer skills with standard software including Windows, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, including organization of data files.
• Demonstrated good interpersonal skills, including good verbal and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience with project development and direct customer interactions.
• Willingness to work with energetic materials (explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics).

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Material Science or related field.
• Laboratory operations experience.
• DOE Q clearance (ability to obtain and maintain).
• Windows, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

This postdoctoral position is temporary for up to one year, renewable up to five additional years.

The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Selected applicant must be able to work onsite.