Researcher for Thermo-Kinetic, Phase Transformation & Microstructure-Property Computational Modeling

Job description

Do you love to invent new materials to tackle unique problems?

Are you searching for meaningful work targeted toward having an impact in the defense, energy, space, and other extreme environment-related fields?

Are you passionate about advancing the latest science as part of a team of outstanding scientists and engineers?

Do you like contributing to innovative solutions in a collaborative environment?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a researcher to help us with the design and synthesis of innovative alloys and structures for defense and security applications. You will apply your strong background in materials science, modeling and simulation to generate solutions for the government's challenge problems. With expertise in computational modeling, you will have the opportunity to pursue research in computational materials science, materials design, development and application of novel alloys and drive the strategy for the future. As a member of our team, you will contribute to heat transfer modeling to calculate temperature evolution in materials during processing, solidification theory to predict solidification microstructure, kinetic modeling to predict solid-state transformations, and quantitative microstructure-property relationships modeling, using outputs of thermo-kinetic modeling to guide design of alloy composition and part geometry to realize desired properties and performance. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists that is committed to developing advanced materials. We strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves game-changing impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.

As a researcher...

* Your primary responsibility will be to design and synthesize innovative alloys and structures for defense and security applications, including shape memory alloys, high entropy alloys, metal matrix composites or metal to ceramic gradients, and other innovative materials and structures exploiting unique thermal gradients possible with additive manufacturing or plasma spray.
* You will conduct innovative R&D in the field of modeling and simulation to guide the design, synthesis and manufacture of novel alloys, including shape memory metals and metal matrix composites, via additive manufacturing, plasma spray and other novel manufacturing techniques.
* You will setup and maintain our software and computational framework necessary to complete tasking.
* You will document and present technical work internally and externally.
* You will communicate daily with project teams and leadership on computational materials science work to support programmatic needs; participate in discussion of ideas, options, and approaches; and report work progress in both oral and written form.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

* Possess a PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related field, with dissertation work related to computational modeling of thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena, and microstructure-property relationships in materials with 1 year of professional work experience.
* Have demonstrated experience in computational materials science with proficiency with COMSOL, ABAQUS, or other related platforms.
* Have the ability to self-direct new research paths based on results and propose new ideas.
* Have organizational skills to maintain laboratory process inventories and notebooks.
* Have good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
* Are able to ultimately obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

* Have experience with alloy design and manufacturing.
* Have experience with additive manufacturing of metals.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at