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Research Scientist - Computational Mechanics

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Postdoctoral Research Position – Computational Mechanics
Notice of Vacancy
Institute for Shock Physics
Washington State University

The Institute for Shock Physics at Washington State University has an immediate opening for a
postdoctoral research associate to undertake modeling and simulation activities related to
understanding the response of materials under shock wave loading. We are looking for a
creative, self-motivated individual who has the ability and interest to pursue challenging,
interdisciplinary problems in a fast paced research environment.

Only applicants who are currently residing in the U.S. and who meet the following
requirements will be considered:
• A very recent Ph.D. degree in Engineering (Solid Mechanics), Applied Physics (Solids),
or a closely related field
• Graduate or post-graduate experience at a U.S. Academic Institution or National
Laboratory
• Strong academic and research background related to solid mechanics or mechanics of
materials
• Hands-on experience in computational modeling, including 2D or 3D finite element
simulations
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Good judgment, clear sense of purpose, and accountability

The ability and interest to work effectively with experimentalists in a team environment is
preferred. An experimental background in mechanical properties research is helpful, but not
required. Prior experience in shock wave research is also not required.

A brief summary of the Institute’s activities follows. Experimental work typically involves fast, time-resolved measurements in single event, impact experiments. Research projects currently underway include: understanding of inelastic deformation and failure under dynamic loading; effect of material microstructure on dynamic deformation; chemical decomposition in energetic materials; pressure induced structural phase transitions; development of fast optical methods to probe shock induced changes; effect of deformation on semiconductor properties; time-resolved x-ray diffraction studies; high pressure equation of state studies; and chemical and physical changes under static high pressures. Further details may be seen at www.shock.wsu.edu.

Our computing facility consists of large computational clusters and we are building new facilities with modern parallel computing capabilities in the Pacific Northwest. The salary structure is both attractive and nationally competitive. Other benefits include health/dental insurance, vacation/sick leave, retirement plans, and access to all University facilities.

THE INSTITUTE FOR SHOCK PHYSICS
A multidisciplinary research organization within the College of Sciences, ISP undertakes a
broad range of fundamental scientific activities related to understanding condensed matter
response under dynamic and static high pressures. Washington State University has a long
and distinguished history of conducting research in shock wave science. In 1997, the Institute
was established by the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure a strong, long-term academic
base for the DOE’s national security mission.

Atomic-to-continuum level understanding is the pervading theme of research activities that
emphasize integration of innovative experiments with theoretical and computational advances.
Multidisciplinary efforts that combine expertise in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical
Engineering, and Chemistry are underway to address several exciting and challenging scientific
problems. In addition to the research faculty within the Institute, students and faculty from
several departments within the Colleges of Science and Engineering participate in the Institute’s research projects. Excellent research interactions are in place with the DOE / NNSA National Laboratories: Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia.

The state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities are housed in the Shock Physics Building. Inaugurated in 2003, the building was designed specifically for shock wave research and represents a unique facility among academic institutions. The major experimental research facilities available for studying physical and chemical phenomena over a large range of length and time scales include the Impact Laboratory, Laser Shock Laboratory, Static High Pressure Laboratory, and the Compact Pulsed Power Facility. Among the Institute’s research capabilities is a Computational Facility designed to complement the experimental effort.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Washington State University, one of the two research universities in the state, was founded in
1890 as the state’s land-grant institution and is located in Pullman with regional campuses in
Spokane, Vancouver and the Tri-Cities. It is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research Extensive
University with a strong emphasis on excellence in research and education. Current enrollment
is approximately 21,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional student FTEs, with
approximately 5,600 faculty and staff. The University offers approximately 4300 courses in 150
undergraduate, and more than 70 graduate, degree programs. Academically the University is
organized into 10 colleges (Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; Business;
Education; Engineering and Architecture; Honors; Liberal Arts; Nursing; Pharmacy; Sciences;
Veterinary Medicine) and a Graduate School.

APPLICATIONS
Applicants should submit a letter of application explicitly addressing the qualifications for this position and date of availability; detailed curriculum vitae; and the names, email, and addresses for three professional references to:

Professor Y.M. Gupta
Institute for Shock Physics
Washington State University
PO Box 642816
Pullman, WA 99164-2816
or via email at ispjobs@wsu.edu.

To ensure consideration, please specify the position (Postdoc: Computational Mechanics) for
which you are applying. We will begin reviewing submissions immediately and will continue to
do so until the position is filled.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER.
Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Washington State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521(v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509.-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

APPLICATIONS
Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  In exceptional cases, applications from individuals who are not permanent residents and are currently in lawful status in the U.S. will be considered.  All applicants need to provide citizenship / residency information explicitly in their application material.  Applicants should submit a cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications for this position, detailed resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:

Ms. Laura Swift
Institute for Shock Physics
PO Box 642816
Washington State University
Pullman, WA  99164-2816
Email: ispjobs@wsu.edu (In the subject line, please ensure that you write “ASL Computational Mechanics”)

This position is available now and screening of applicants will begin immediately.

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