Do you want to perform innovative research impacting radiation effects sciences, electromagnetics, and high energy density sciences? Are you interested in developing transformational pulsed power capabilities at one of the world’s premier pulsed power facilities? Are you passionate about research that impacts a broad range of problems of national importance? If so, you could become a Maxwell Fellow at Sandia and join our dynamic team!
We are now accepting applications for the James Clerk Maxwell Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship, established in honor of the founder of the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, supports research that impacts broad-ranging national security areas in the broadly defined domains of radiation effects, electrical and electromagnetic sciences, high energy density sciences and pulsed power physics and/or engineering that enable these domains.
As a Sandia Maxwell Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:
- Address complex problems in support of broad-ranging mission areas
- Contribute to high-risk, high-value research and development
- Foster creativity and advance exploration at the forefront of the domains listed above
- Collaborate with highly motivated and talented researchers on challenging research questions using state-of-the-art resources
- Disseminate your work via leading publication and conference venues
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Sandia National Laboratories is committed to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives in accordance with the changing makeup of the workforce. In support of this vision, we actively recruit applicants from a diverse set of backgrounds and foster an inclusive community.
The selected Fellow will receive a two-year appointment with a highly competitive salary, moving expenses and a generous professional travel allowance. You will pursue a combination of self-directed research and integration with existing Sandia research and development (R&D) projects, under the guidance of Sandia staff mentors. The self-directed research will be funded through the Radiation, Electrical, and High Energy Density Sciences (REHEDS) Research Foundation, an investment area under Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program. You are expected to publish the results of your work in leading journals and present it at top-tier conferences. An intent of this fellowship is to provide early career support and selected candidates 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.
- Ph.D. in a field relevant to radiation effects, electrical and electromagnetic sciences, high energy density sciences or to pulsed power, conferred within the past three years, or anticipated completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment
- Your background includes the appropriate research experience, as evidenced by a strong record of research publications and presentations
- Your proposed research is compelling with potential to be transformational for REHEDS and/or pulsed power
- You can acquire a DOE Q level security clearance, which requires US Citizenship
Ideally, your background would also include:
(not all areas are expected of every candidate)
- Experience in REHEDS and/or pulsed power
- Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by participation in scientific conferences and publication in high impact journals
- Ability to learn, deal with roadblocks, and be creative in solving problems
- Demonstrated interest and/or experience in service to the nation
- Ability to work in collaborative and team environment and to help the team succeed
- Ability to conduct self-directed research and thrive in dynamic, interdisciplinary research environments to contribute on problems comprising diverse application domains
- Proven research community leadership through activities such as participation in student or professional organizations, outreach activities, etc.
- Related professional experience such as internships in industry or at other national labs, participation in visiting research programs, etc.
To apply for the Maxwell Fellowship:
- Apply to Job ID 649127 and submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and a 5-page research proposal (references are encouraged and are not included in the 5-page limit).
- Have three letters of recommendation sent to MaxwellFellowship@sandia.gov with “2025 Maxwell Fellowship” as the subject line. Complete applications received through December 4, 2024 will receive full consideration. Selections are anticipated by early spring.
You can email MaxwellFellowship@sandia.gov with any questions or for help identifying a staff member to provide a Sandia perspective on your proposed research.
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.
Sandia invites you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law, EEO is the Law Poster Supplement, and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.
Sandia is a drug-free workplace. As a national laboratory funded by a U.S. government agency, we are subject to federal laws regarding illegal drug use. Illegal use of a controlled substance, including marijuana even in places where it does not violate state law, may impact your ability to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Energy security clearance, and may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment.