ORNL Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Astrophysics

***In order to be considered, all qualified applicants must apply via www.ornl.gov/careers. Here is a direct link for the application: http://bit.ly/2nwFLPx***

PURPOSE:

are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work a part of our Computational Astrophysics team. In this role, you will focus on state of the art simulations for core-collapse supernovae, both analyzing the results of current simulations and developing the next-generation of simulation code and analysis tools. You will work alongside a dedicated team of researchers, both at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and as part of the multi-institutional CHIMERA team, and have the opportunity to share your results with the scientific community. This position resides in the Physics Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and is part of the Towards Exascale Astrophysics of Mergers and Supernovae (TEAMS) project supported by the DOE Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) program.

OVERVIEW:

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for running and analyzing state-of-the-art models of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) using the CHIMERA code. CHIMERA is a multi-physics code built specifically for multi-dimensional simulation of CCSNe. It combines separate codes for hydrodynamics and gravity; neutrino transport and opacities; and nuclear equation of state and reaction network. The models to be run will address key questions in the physics of CCSNe, for example, what is the range of stars for which successful CCSNe occur and what is the contribution of CCSNe to Galactic Chemical Evolution. In addition, you will contribute to the development of CLASH, our next generation code for CCSNe and other astrophysical problems. CLASH is being built as a best-of-breed code from the existing CASTRO and FLASH codebases coupled to the AMReX package (development of CLASH is supported by the DoE Exascale Computing Project). Among your responsibilities will be improvements to the parallelization of microphysics within CHIMERA and the porting of this code to CLASH, as well as porting of the CHIMERA analysis toolchain to CLASH.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform state of the art simulations of core-collapse supernovae
• Improve the parallel performance of microphysics in CHIMERA and port this improved code to CLASH
• Bring the CHIMERA analysis toolkit to bear on CLASH simulations
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a related discipline completed within the last five years
• Experience in Nuclear or Stellar Astrophysics
• Experience with High Performance Computing and programming for massively parallel computers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An excellent record of productive and creative research as proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals and letters of reference from active practitioners in the field
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs
• Experience with MPI, OpenMP, parallel I/O (including HDF5), CUDA and/or OpenACC, FORTRAN, Python

OTHER INFORMATION

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position. Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to [email protected]. Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.

***In order to be considered, all qualified applicants must apply via www.ornl.gov/careers. Here is a direct link for the application: http://bit.ly/2nwFLPx***