Postdoctoral Research Associate - Computational Nuclear Physics

Requisition Id 15537 

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research associate in computational nuclear physics. This position focuses on nuclear theory with an emphasis on nuclear structure and reactions, as well as nuclear data. The position is part of the nuclear physics team that resides in the Advanced Computing for Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics group at the National Center for Computational Sciences, Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research in nuclear theory using advanced many-body methods, high-performance computing, and machine learning approaches. The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing computational methods and high-performance algorithms for simulating atomic nuclei, as well as preparing data and using machine learning models for investigating how the properties of atomic nuclei connect to fundamental questions in physics, such as constraining nuclear forces, determining the limits of nuclear stability, and identifying signatures of new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop formalism, methods, and algorithms for computing properties of nuclei.
• Prepare nuclear data for consumption by machine learning models.
• Investigate the use of machine learning models to compute properties of nuclei using high-performance computing resources.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance program requirements for environmental, safety, health, and quality.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Theoretical Physics or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with High Performance Computing and programming for massively parallel computers.
• Experience with quantum many-body methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong computational science background.
• Familiarity with coupled-cluster and in-medium similarity renormalization group methods.
• Understanding of application development techniques (numerical methods, solution algorithms, programming models, and software) at scale (large processor/node counts).
• Experience with use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in nuclear physics or related fields.
• A record of productive and creative research as proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals and letters of reference from active practitioners in the field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with MPI, OpenMP, parallel I/O (including HDF5), CUDA and/or OpenACC, Fortran, C++, Python.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across DOE laboratories and facilities.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.