John von Neumann Fellowship

Looking to advance the research frontier in computational mathematics and scientific computing? Are you passionate about making an impact on fundamental problems of national interest? If so, envision the opportunities as Sandia’s next John von Neumann Postdoctoral Fellow.

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 John von Neumann Fellowship in Computational Science. This is one of Sandia’s most prestigious postdoctoral fellowships with funding from the Applied Mathematics Research Program in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research and Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program. In this position, you will:

  • Address complex problems in support of mission areas of national importance,
  • Collaborate with highly motivated researchers on challenging research questions, and
  • Disseminate your work via leading publications and conference venues.

We are seeking applications from researchers in the broad domain of computational and applied mathematics, including algorithm analysis, applied probability, combinatorial scientific computing, control theory, data science, data driven methods, discrete mathematics, discretization methods, graph algorithms, high-performance computing, integral equations and nonlocal models, linear and multilinear algebra, machine learning, mathematical analysis, meshing, modeling & simulation, multilevel/multiphysics/multiscale methods, numerical analysis, operations research, optimization, ordinary and partial differential equations, numerical solvers, quantum information science, statistical inference, time integration, and uncertainty quantification.

We seek applicants with interest in making a positive impact through the advancement of computational methods for scientific and engineering applications, including additive manufacturing, circuit simulation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), computational solid mechanics, cyber security, data science, earth systems, electrical systems, hyperspectral imaging, machine learning, magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), material design, molecular dynamics, power grid, sensor data fusion, shock physics, signal processing, and turbulence modeling.

Sandia 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, the center actively recruits applicants from diverse backgrounds and fosters an inclusive community.

The appointment is for one year, with the option of a second year, and includes 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. You are expected to publish the results of your work in leading journals and present it at top-tier conferences.

Requirements

  • You have or will receive a Ph.D. in applied/computational mathematics or a related area, such as computer science, engineering, or statistics, conferred after January 1, 2020 and no later than August 2024
  • A background that includes research experience in one or more of the areas listed above, as evidenced by a strong record of research publications and presentations
  • A compelling research proposal for self-directed research to be conducted as a von Neumann Postdoctoral Fellow. The research proposal must be mathematical in nature (broadly interpreted) and have relevance to computational, scientific, engineering, or analysis work at Sandia.
  • Appropriate background and experience to pursue the proposed work
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE security clearance, which requires US citizenship

Ideally, an applicant’s background would also include:

  • Ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments on problems from diverse application domains and in partnership with specialists in other domains
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • A dedication to encouraging an inclusive culture, as demonstrated by past activities listed in your application materials such as outreach activities, trainings, etc.
  • Community leadership as evidenced via activities such as participation in student or professional organizations, organizational activities, etc.
  • Related professional experience such as internships in industry or national labs, participation in visiting research programs, etc.
  • Software development experience in C++, C, Fortran, MATLAB, R, Python, Julia, or related languages
  • Experience with high-performance scientific computing and large-scale computational simulation software

Committee

The von Neumann Committee consists of:

  • Ray Tuminaro (Chair)
  • Eric Cyr
  • Drew Kouri
  • Siva Rajamanickam
  • Irina Tezaur
  • Tommie Catanach

Application procedure

To apply for the John von Neumann Fellowship, follow these steps:

  1. Submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and a 2-3 page research proposal when applying to Job ID #691295
  2. Have three letters of recommendation sent to vonneumann@sandia.gov; Use "VN Fellowship" as the subject line.

Applications will be accepted through November 22, 2023.

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.