Postdoctoral Appointee - Optical or RF Radiative Transfer Modeling

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a driven and results-oriented Postdoctoral Appointee to join our hardworking and dynamic team to analyze complex radiative transfer problems such as optical or RF transmission through the atmosphere or space environments. The core theme of the research would be to develop an understanding of the underlying physics behind the effects of natural and manmade effects on emergent space communication systems. This research incorporates the need to understand link budgets and communication protocols, the impact of natural atmospheric conditions, and to balance these factors against propagation through manmade ionospheric disturbances. The selected candidate will have a theoretical understanding of solving radiative transfer problems, proficient programming skills, and the willingness to publish and write proposals.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Develop, verify, validate, and use physics-based computational models to tackle radiative transfer problems such as optical or RF propagation through the atmosphere to ionosphere and beyond
• Collaborate to conduct research and write proposals
• Publish in leading edge journals or publications
• Work with a mentor one-on-one or in small teams
• Document results in high-quality presentations and reports

Minimal travel is required for this position.

Qualifications We Require

• PhD acquired within the last 5 years', in physics, physical sciences, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field
• Experience in computational modeling and simulation of radiation transport problems such as optical or RF propagation through the atmosphere to ionosphere
• Programming experience with multiple languages (for example, C++, Python, Fortran, Matlab..)
•  Can obtain a DOE Q clearance

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with GSCENARIO and/or PRPSIM modeling packages
• High level of academic success in undergraduate and graduate programs
• Experience with various computing environments, such as Linux or High Performance Computing systems
• Proven ability to perform independent research, as well as to work effectively in a team in various roles (leader and group member)
• Record of publications
• Proficiency with varied communication methods, including oral presentation, preparation of high-impact visual presentations, written reports, and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate scientific and technical information at a level tailored the audience

About Our Team

We serve national defense and nonproliferation customers with theoretical and computational research of nuclear detonation effects and signatures. We develop first-principles models to underpin a deep physics-based understanding of the development of nuclear fireballs and their optical signatures in a variety of circumstances. Department expertise includes radiation transport, hydrodynamics, material behavior and interactions in extreme environments, and code development for high performance computing.

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

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

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.