The Energetics Characterization Organization seeks an R&D S&E, Materials Science candidate with a background in Chemistry and/or Materials Science that has specific training in one or more of the following: data science, bioinformatics, and/or multivariate statistical analysis. You will develop new methods or new frameworks to combine and analyze chemical and materials analysis data. You will also collaborate with other scientists and engineers to enhance experimental design and data collection approaches and ultimately better understand energetic material and component behavior.
Most of your work will likely focus on extracting and parsing data from existing chemical and materials analysis data sets, data mining existing and new data to find new trends and relationships, constructing new data structures by manipulation and pre-processing; and data analysis and interpretation. However, prior laboratory experience and a demonstrated record of interfacing with experimentalists are both highly desired, and there may be opportunities to perform laboratory work as well.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
• Evaluate chemical and materials analysis data to derive relationships in the data using established data science and statistical analysis methods
• Support existing projects in energetic materials science
• Present research at national and international technical conferences
• Contribute to scientific publications in both internal and peer-reviewed open literature
• Manage time according to work demands
• Pursue R&D opportunities to investigate changes associated with material processing, compatibility, and aging of energetic materials, associated inert materials, and the components that contain them.
Department Description:
The Energetics Characterization Department, Organization 2555 is an integral part of the Explosives Technologies Group at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Energetics Characterization Department is located within the Explosives Components Facility and is responsible for the development, characterization and performance evaluation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics). This includes activities related to aging, materials compatibility, production process evaluation, material research/development and anomaly characterization as they relate to performance of energetic materials. In addition, the Energetics Characterization Department is actively engaged in the development of novel explosives detection systems, new analytical methods of analyses and fundamental research into the understanding of initiation and detonation processes.
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 schedules, 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: www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
EEO Statement:
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.
Required:
• Master’s in physical science, materials science, engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline
• Experience with statistics and expertise in R or other widely used programming languages (e.g. Python, Matlab)
• Specific expertise in building predictive models using statistical & machine-learning methods
• Experience with analyzing experimental data (e.g. mass spectral, vibrational spectroscopy, LC, GC) and using it extract pertinent materials characteristics.
Desired:
• PhD in physical science, engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline
• Experience with data analytic software such as: R, Python, MATLAB, JMP, SAS, SQL, Minitab, ArcGIS, JMP, Excel, Access, Qlikview, Qliksense, Umetrics, The Unscrambler (CAMO), PLSToolbox, VG Studio Max (Volume Graphics), IDL or ENVI (ITT), etc.
• Prior experience in visualizing scientific datasets, especially ones where multiple dimensions and data types are integrated is desirable
• Experience manipulating, interpreting, and pre-processing datasets associated with chemical and materials analyses, e.g., those generated by techniques including, but not limited to microscopy, radiography, tomography, spectroscopy, liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, or particle sizing
• Strong theoretical knowledge base in thermodynamics and kinetics
• Experience with using experimental data for kinetic and thermodynamic model development and validation
• Demonstrated track record of successful collaboration among experimentalists, computational modelers, and theoreticians
• Prior laboratory experience
• Experience with Sandia-owned codes
• Active DOE “L” or “Q” clearance
• Good communication skills evidenced by a record of publishing in the peer-reviewed scientific literature and presentations at technical conferences
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative research environment on problems that cut across a variety of disciplines
Security Clearance:
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level 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 must 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.