Data Science Fellowship

We are now accepting applications for the Sandia Data Science Postdoctoral Fellowship. This is a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship with funding from Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program.

We seek researchers with a background and interest in the broadly defined and interdisciplinary domain of data science to include mathematics, computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical methods, and related areas. We are particularly interested in applicants excited by the prospect of advancing data science techniques and applying them to scientific and engineering applications relevant to Sandia’s diverse missions, which includes energy systems and power grid, cyber security, operations research, geospatial analysis, autonomous vehicles, and many other national security domains.

As a Sandia Data Science Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

  • Address complex problems in support of broad-ranging national security areas
  • Collaborate with highly motivated researchers on challenging research
    questions using state-of-the-art computational resources
  • Present your work at leading publication and conference venues

The selected Fellow will receive a two-year appointment with the potential option for a third year, which includes a highly competitive salary, moving expenses, and a generous professional travel allowance.

As a data science fellow, you will pursue a combination of both self-directed research in your topic area and integration with existing Sandia R&D projects, under the guidance of Sandia staff mentors. A proposal for your research plan will be requested as part of the interview process, and you will be expected to publish the results of your work in leading journals and present your work at top-tier conferences.

Sandia National Laboratories is dedicated to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives. Consistent with this dedication, we seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we foster an inclusive research community.

Qualifications we require:

  • You have completed, or are pursuing, a Ph.D. in a data science related area, such as mathematics, computer science, statistics, or engineering, conferred within the past three years, or anticipated completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment
  • Your background includes appropriate research experience in one or more of the areas above as evidenced by a strong record of research publications and presentations
  • A compelling research proposal to be conducted as a Data Science Fellow that has relevance to computational, scientific, engineering, or analysis work at Sandia
  • No previous postdoctoral appointments at a national laboratory
  • You can acquire a DOE security clearance which requires US Citizenship

Qualifications we desire:

Ideally, your background would also include some of the following:

  • Ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments alongside specialists in other domains
  • Related professional experience such as internships in industry or at other national labs, participation in visiting research programs, etc.
  • Proven research community leadership through activities such as participation in student or professional organizations, outreach activities, etc.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
  • Software development experience in C++, C, Matlab, R, Python, Julia, or related languages
  • A commitment to encouraging an inclusive culture, as proven through your application materials

Application process

To apply, please do the following:

  • Search "Data Science Fellowship" or "685466" on Sandia’s Careers portal and complete the online application
  • Submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and a 3-5 page research proposal
  • Have three letters of recommendation submitted to datasciencefellow@sandia.gov with “2022 DS Fellowship” as the subject line.

Complete applications received through November 7, 2022 will receive full consideration.

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.