A postdoctoral fellowship is available immediately to work under the supervision of Dr. Judit Zádor at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California. The postdoctoral  associate will be primarily responsible for the development of our code “pynta” (https://github.com/zadorlab/pynta), which enables large-scale kinetics calculations for heterogeneous catalytic systems using high performance computing. The work involves coding mostly in Python, hands-on experience with current peta- and upcoming exascale machines, and exploration of the mechanistic details of catalytic processes on surfaces. It also requires creativity, possibly combined with machine learning approaches, to come up with efficient and scalable algorithms for the exploration of potential energy surfaces in this domain. The work is in the framework of the Exascale Catalytic Chemistry (ECC) project (https://ecc-project.sandia.gov/), funded by the Department of Energy, and involves a strong collaboration with the members of our interdisciplinary and multi-institutional team, with the possibility of contributing to other aspects of the project as well.

QUALIFICATIONS WE REQUIRE

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related fields conferred within the past five years.
• Substantial expertise in an area of heterogeneous catalysis, computational chemistry and in scientific programming.
• Strong publication record matching the current career stage.
• Solid knowledge of Python.

QUALIFICATIONS WE DESIRE

• Good presentation, writing, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the theoretical and modeling aspects of heterogeneous catalysis.
• Experience with atom-centered and plane wave quantum chemistry codes.
• Experience with high-performance computing.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques.

To Apply:

• go to http://www.sandia.gov/careers/students_postdocs/postdocs.html
• click 'View All Jobs'
• search for Job ID: 675471

About Our Team

The Gas Phase Chemical Physics Department is part of Sandia's Combustion Research Facility (CRF) in Livermore, California, where over 100 scientists, engineers, and technologists conduct basic and applied research to improve our nation's ability to use and control combustion processes efficiently and cleanly. Under the principal sponsorship of the Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, the Combustion Chemistry and Diagnostics Department conducts fundamental experimental, theoretical, and modeling research to develop a foundational understanding of the key chemical processes that underlie the complex mechanisms of combustion. Additional programs investigate the effects of combustion emissions on atmospheric composition and climate. Research areas include chemical dynamics and spectroscopy, theoretical and experimental chemical kinetics, flame chemistry and modeling, and gas-phase and particulate diagnostics development and deployment.

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

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, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.