Computational Plasma Physics Scientist
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Job Number: 7135360 (Ref #: 688933)
- Posting Date: Mar 17, 2023
Job Description
Posting Duration: This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time. NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs: If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs. If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date. Salary Range: $101,400
- $201,400 *Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential. What Your Job Will Be Like: Are you passionate about your work and dream of using innovative facilities to explore solutions? Do you want to join a diverse team that solves significant issues for our nation’s security? The Applied Optical and Plasma Science Department, 1865, seeks an R&D Staff Scientist to conduct research related to low temperature plasma physics via computational simulation and modeling for a wide range of applications. You will use pioneering computational tools and clusters to develop new scientific insights and aid Sandia in its mission to serve the nation. In collaboration with experimental team members, you will develop new models for low temperature plasma related systems, including challenging model performance against validation data from coordinated experiments. You will participate as a team contributor, lead existing project teams, and develop/propose/champion new projects to various partners internal and external to Sandia National Laboratories. Examples of past collaborations with our organization include: + Semiconductor/microelectronics processing plasmas + Plasma chemistry (including catalysis) + Electrical discharge (vacuum to atmospheric pressures, low to high currents) + Kinetic non-equilibrium physics + Hydrodynamics + Space propulsion/satellite environments + Plasma-surface interactions + Laser-surface interactions + Solid-state physics Key functions of this role include, but are not limited to: + Establishing new scientific insight on the physical mechanisms underlying low temperature plasmas + Using existing simulation capabilities and developing new simulation capabilities, to address new areas of plasma science + Developing or supporting the development of new physics models + Verification and validation of plasma simulation tools in collaboration with experimentalists + Publishing scientific results and participating in the scientific community, including conferences, workshops, and external leadership opportunities (e.g., conference organizations, journal editors, advisory boards, etc.) + Impacting design and operation of existing and future devices and technologies relying on plasma dynamics + Leading projects, working with team members on developing project plans, and being the primary interface with various partners and customers + Mentoring of staff, post-doctoral appointees, and student interns Qualifications We Require: + PhD in physics, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, or closely related field + Experience in modeling low temperature plasma phenomena + Proven engagement with the scientific community through a history of publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant scientific conferences and topical workshops + Able to acquire and maintain a DOE security clearance Qualifications We Desire: + Interest in modeling semiconductor/microelectronics processing plasma regimes, especially in developing innovative solutions adopting the latest advances in materials science, diagnostics, and machine learning + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills + The motivation and ability to tackle challenging, sometimes not well-defined, technical problems independently + Demonstrated ability to develop proposals for funding opportunities + Experience in code validation efforts including working in tandem with experimentalists, conducting the experiments for validation directly, or other demonstrated validation process + Experience with experimental systems for investigation of low temperature plasma properties (there is the possibility to perform a mix of modeling and experimental work in this position) + Proficiency in code development with C/C++ + Experience in model and algorithm development for computational simulation (PIC, DSMC, fluid, hybrid, FDM, FEM, FVM, electrostatic, electromagnetic) + Experience using HPC platforms About Our Team: Our department is a multidisciplinary group of experts in three areas: Low Temperature Plasma Physics, Laser and Optical Diagnostics, and Thermal Characterization of Materials. We work with groups in Sandia and other entities to develop the science that enables engineering solutions. The Low Temperature Plasma Physics thrust has ongoing work in plasma-driven chemistry, plasma-surface interactions, arc discharges (from vacuum to high pressure), charged particle transport, sheath physics, and more. To study this wide array of phenomena, we possess both experimental and computational experts that work together to produce new understanding. The plasma codes we use range from fully kinetic, through hybrid, to fluid models, and 0D to 3D. Experimentally, we have developed a variety of sources including multipole confinement systems, CCP/ICP RF plasmas, and atmospheric pressure plasma systems. We use a variety of diagnostics to examine these systems and are actively involved in the development or use of advanced laser diagnostics, other spectroscopic techniques, physical probes, RF sensing, and more. The Laser and Optical Diagnostics thrust conducts innovative research and application development in LIDAR remote sensing, laser sources and characterization, and optical spectroscopy providing unique, real-time, non-contact, in-situ optical diagnostic capabilities. The Thermal Characterization thrust research the fundamental thermal properties and decomposition products and pathways of a wide variety of materials experiencing an expansive range of environments. This work entails both innovative diagnostics as well as developing custom diagnostics and techniques to provide information on the underlying science of thermal behaviors of materials. Our team is committed to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives in accordance with the changing makeup of the workforce. Join us and work towards your goals while making a difference!
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. Job ID: 688933
- $201,400 *Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential. What Your Job Will Be Like: Are you passionate about your work and dream of using innovative facilities to explore solutions? Do you want to join a diverse team that solves significant issues for our nation’s security? The Applied Optical and Plasma Science Department, 1865, seeks an R&D Staff Scientist to conduct research related to low temperature plasma physics via computational simulation and modeling for a wide range of applications. You will use pioneering computational tools and clusters to develop new scientific insights and aid Sandia in its mission to serve the nation. In collaboration with experimental team members, you will develop new models for low temperature plasma related systems, including challenging model performance against validation data from coordinated experiments. You will participate as a team contributor, lead existing project teams, and develop/propose/champion new projects to various partners internal and external to Sandia National Laboratories. Examples of past collaborations with our organization include: + Semiconductor/microelectronics processing plasmas + Plasma chemistry (including catalysis) + Electrical discharge (vacuum to atmospheric pressures, low to high currents) + Kinetic non-equilibrium physics + Hydrodynamics + Space propulsion/satellite environments + Plasma-surface interactions + Laser-surface interactions + Solid-state physics Key functions of this role include, but are not limited to: + Establishing new scientific insight on the physical mechanisms underlying low temperature plasmas + Using existing simulation capabilities and developing new simulation capabilities, to address new areas of plasma science + Developing or supporting the development of new physics models + Verification and validation of plasma simulation tools in collaboration with experimentalists + Publishing scientific results and participating in the scientific community, including conferences, workshops, and external leadership opportunities (e.g., conference organizations, journal editors, advisory boards, etc.) + Impacting design and operation of existing and future devices and technologies relying on plasma dynamics + Leading projects, working with team members on developing project plans, and being the primary interface with various partners and customers + Mentoring of staff, post-doctoral appointees, and student interns Qualifications We Require: + PhD in physics, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, or closely related field + Experience in modeling low temperature plasma phenomena + Proven engagement with the scientific community through a history of publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant scientific conferences and topical workshops + Able to acquire and maintain a DOE security clearance Qualifications We Desire: + Interest in modeling semiconductor/microelectronics processing plasma regimes, especially in developing innovative solutions adopting the latest advances in materials science, diagnostics, and machine learning + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills + The motivation and ability to tackle challenging, sometimes not well-defined, technical problems independently + Demonstrated ability to develop proposals for funding opportunities + Experience in code validation efforts including working in tandem with experimentalists, conducting the experiments for validation directly, or other demonstrated validation process + Experience with experimental systems for investigation of low temperature plasma properties (there is the possibility to perform a mix of modeling and experimental work in this position) + Proficiency in code development with C/C++ + Experience in model and algorithm development for computational simulation (PIC, DSMC, fluid, hybrid, FDM, FEM, FVM, electrostatic, electromagnetic) + Experience using HPC platforms About Our Team: Our department is a multidisciplinary group of experts in three areas: Low Temperature Plasma Physics, Laser and Optical Diagnostics, and Thermal Characterization of Materials. We work with groups in Sandia and other entities to develop the science that enables engineering solutions. The Low Temperature Plasma Physics thrust has ongoing work in plasma-driven chemistry, plasma-surface interactions, arc discharges (from vacuum to high pressure), charged particle transport, sheath physics, and more. To study this wide array of phenomena, we possess both experimental and computational experts that work together to produce new understanding. The plasma codes we use range from fully kinetic, through hybrid, to fluid models, and 0D to 3D. Experimentally, we have developed a variety of sources including multipole confinement systems, CCP/ICP RF plasmas, and atmospheric pressure plasma systems. We use a variety of diagnostics to examine these systems and are actively involved in the development or use of advanced laser diagnostics, other spectroscopic techniques, physical probes, RF sensing, and more. The Laser and Optical Diagnostics thrust conducts innovative research and application development in LIDAR remote sensing, laser sources and characterization, and optical spectroscopy providing unique, real-time, non-contact, in-situ optical diagnostic capabilities. The Thermal Characterization thrust research the fundamental thermal properties and decomposition products and pathways of a wide variety of materials experiencing an expansive range of environments. This work entails both innovative diagnostics as well as developing custom diagnostics and techniques to provide information on the underlying science of thermal behaviors of materials. Our team is committed to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives in accordance with the changing makeup of the workforce. Join us and work towards your goals while making a difference!
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. Job ID: 688933
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
