We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to develop/augment science-based models to predict the behavior of polymer (and potentially other non-equilibrium, viscoelastic) materials under a wide range of thermal, mechanical, and aging conditions. Key functions of this role include but are not limited to: + Determining the state-of-the-art in constitutive modeling efforts to represent non-linear thermo-viscoelasticity of polymer glasses and assessing limitations of these capabilities, especially in the context of Sandia’s constitutive modeling approaches + Assessing the ability of models to predict experimentally measured responses of materials relevant to Sandia, particularly the aging response of polymer glasses + Transferring new model developments into a framework that can be used to perform engineering relevant calculations + Presentation of findings at team meetings and to relevant technical managers and funding agencies + Publication of innovative research in high-level peer-reviewed journals and national/international technical conferences 

Required:
+ PhD, conferred within 5 years prior to employment, in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field. + Good communication skills as evidenced by a history of publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and external presentations at appropriate scientific conferences + Research experience in the modeling of polymeric materials + Experience in the foundations of polymeric materials, including viscoelasticity, viscoplasticity, nonlinear material behavior, and non-equilibrium behavior of glasses + Experience in the foundations of solid mechanics, including strength of materials, continuum mechanics, and material mechanics + Experience with computer programming + Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance 

Desired:
+ Experience using massively parallel finite-element analysis codes and experience of C++ programming and finite element code development + Interest in conducting independent, focused research + Demonstration of independent, creative thinking + Ability to work both independently and in teams of fellow technical workers with diverse technical backgrounds + Ability to interact with team members of diverse technical backgrounds across multiple organizations/institutions + Ability to engage in and to contribute to multiple programs