Postdoctoral Research Position  Computational Chemistry
Notice of Vacancy
Institute for Shock Physics
Washington State University

The Institute for Shock Physics at Washington State University has an
immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake
computational modeling and simulation activities related to chemical
phenomena in reactive materials.  We are looking for a creative,
self-motivated individual who has the ability and desire to pursue
solutions to challenging, interdisciplinary problems in a fast-paced
research environment.  

This position is located at the Institutes Applied Sciences Laboratory in
Spokane, Washington. 

Only applicants who are currently in the U.S. and meet the following
wrequirements will be considered for the position:

* A recent Ph.D. degree in theoretical chemistry, chemical physics,
  computational materials science or a closely related field

* Experience with density functional theory and quantum chemistry
  calculations for reactive systems 

* Proficiency with at least one programming language (FORTRAN, C, C++,
  etc.) and experience in high-performance computing (HPC) environment 

* Ability to interact with experimentalists and theorists in a team
  environment for problem solving 

* Excellent oral and written communication skills

* Good judgment, clear sense of purpose, and accountability

Preferred, but not required, skills include:

* Experience with quantum chemical methods to calculate rate constants at
  transition state theory and RRKM theory levels 

* Some background in condensed matter calculations of crystalline
  materials, surfaces, and organic crystals

* A good conceptual background in vibrational spectroscopy and quantum
  chemical calculations spectroscopy-based verification of reaction mechanisms 

* Exposure to QM/QM or QM/MM methods for large-scale systems

This position requires good communication skills via scientific
publications and technical presentations as well as good interpersonal
skills necessary for a multi-disciplinary team research environment. There
will be ample opportunities for collaboration between theorists and
experimental researchers both within and outside the Institute. 

A brief summary of the Institutes activities follows.  Experimental work
typically involves fast, time-resolved measurements in single event, impact
experiments.  Research projects currently underway include: understanding
of inelastic deformation and failure under dynamic loading; effect of
material microstructure on dynamic deformation; chemical decomposition in
energetic materials; pressure induced structural phase transitions;
development of fast optical methods to probe shock induced changes; effect
of deformation on semiconductor properties; time-resolved x-ray diffraction
studies; high pressure equation of state studies; and chemical and physical
changes under static high pressures.   Further details may be seen at
http://www.shock.wsu.edu.

Our computing facility consists of large computational clusters with 3
Teraflops computing power.  The salary structure is both attractive and
nationally competitive.  Other benefits include health/dental insurance,
vacation/sick leave, retirement plans, and access to all University
facilities.

THE INSTITUTE FOR SHOCK PHYSICS
A multidisciplinary research organization within the College of Sciences,
ISP undertakes a broad range of fundamental scientific activities related
to understanding condensed matter response under dynamic and static high
pressures.  Washington State University has a long and distinguished
history of conducting research in shock wave science.  In 1997, the
Institute was established by the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure a
strong, long-term academic base for the DOEs national security mission.

Atomic-to-continuum level understanding is the pervading theme of research
activities that emphasize integration of innovative experiments with
theoretical and computational advances.  Multidisciplinary efforts that
combine expertise in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering,
and Chemistry are underway to address several exciting and challenging
scientific problems.  In addition to the research faculty within the
Institute, students and faculty from several departments within the
Colleges of Science and Engineering participate in the Institutes research
projects.  Excellent research interactions are in place with the DOE / NNSA
National Laboratories:  Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia.  

The state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities are housed
in the Shock Physics Building.  Inaugurated in 2003, the building was
designed specifically for shock wave research and represents a unique
facility among academic institutions.  The major experimental research
facilities available for studying physical and chemical phenomena over a
large range of length and time scales include the Impact Laboratory, Laser
Shock Laboratory, Static High Pressure Laboratory, and the Compact Pulsed
Power Facility.  Among the Institutes research capabilities is a
Computational Facility designed to complement the experimental effort.  

THE APPLIED SCIENCES LABORATORY
The Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) of the Institute for Shock Physics is
a university-based, self sustaining, contract research organization that
conducts a broad range of applied research projects for government agencies
and private corporations, including the development of commercial
applications. ASL combines the creativity of academic research with the
agility and customer focus of private industry. ASLs focus is on applied
research and technology related to energy, national security, and advanced
materials and sensors. The scientific underpinnings for these projects are
in materials science, chemistry, optical physics, and computational
modeling and simulations. Further information about ASL may be found at
http://www.asl.wsu.edu.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Washington State University, one of the two research universities in the
state, was founded in 1890 as the states land-grant institution and is
located in Pullman with regional campuses in Spokane, Vancouver and the
Tri-Cities.  It is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research Extensive University with a
strong emphasis on excellence in research and education.  Current
enrollment is approximately 21,000 undergraduate, graduate, and
professional student FTEs, with approximately 5,600 faculty and staff.  The
University offers approximately 4300 courses in 150 undergraduate, and more
than 70 graduate, degree programs.  Academically the University is
organized into 10 colleges (Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource
Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Architecture; Honors;
Liberal Arts; Nursing; Pharmacy; Sciences; Veterinary Medicine) and a
Graduate School.

APPLICATIONS
Applicants should submit a letter of application explicitly addressing the
qualifications for this position and date of availability; detailed
curriculum vitae; and the names, email, and addresses for three
professional references to: 

Dr. Santanu Chaudhuri
Applied Sciences Laboratory
Institute for Shock Physics
Washington State University
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA 99202-1495

or via email at asl.jobs/./wsu.edu.

To ensure consideration, please specify the position (Postdoc:
Computational Chemistry) for which you are applying.  We will begin
reviewing submissions immediately and will continue to do so until the
position is filled.

WSU is an EO/AA Educator and Employer.