Postdoctoral Appointee- Data Science for High Energy Density Applications, Onsite

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The Radiation and Fusion Target Design department has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to advance the use of data science and machine learning in the design and understanding of experiments on the Z facility. A particular emphasis will be on applying these methods to the emerging design space for layered MagLIF targets under tailored pulse shapes. Most Z fusion experiments utilize a synchronous short pulse waveform to provide maximum power to the target and minimize time for instability growth. However, the recent proposal of multi-layer targets utilizing heterogeneous materials opens the design space to improve performance by considering differences in material response. A successful applicant for this position will utilize data science techniques to leverage the large existing set of data developed at the Z machine and to collaborate with other members of the pulsed power sciences center to explore this design space and propose novel fusion experiments for the Z machine.

The successful candidate will perform the following duties:

• Partner on the design and analysis of experimental campaigns at Z
• Leverage advances in machine learning to enable more rapid design iteration for Z experiments
• Represent the research and development in the organization through publications in scientific journals and presentation at conferences

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

• Collaborate as part of an integrated team to plan research, in addition to working to improve the utilization of data science and machine learning techniques at the Z facility.
• Develop data pipelines, automated analysis methods, and machine-learning tools to improve the interpretation and design of Z experiments.
• Publish your findings and interact with the academic community.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Astronomy, or a related discipline (PhD must be conferred within five (5) years prior to employment)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance

• Experience in the curation and utilization of scientific data to accelerate research
• A technical competency in Bayesian or other relevant optimization methodologies
• Excellent communication skills demonstrated at technical conferences

Department 1684 works to design and analyze fusion and radiation producing experiments on Sandia's Z facility. Scientists in the department use a variety of tools, including scientific computing, artificial intelligence and theoretical models to advance the frontiers of high energy density plasma experiments. We have a close collaborative relationship with sister organizations tasked with performing Z experiments and developing diagnostics to better understand their characteristics. This work enables new applications to stockpile science with pulsed power.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.