Postdoctoral Associates
The Indian Head Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, located in Charles County, Maryland 25 miles south of Washington, DC invites applications for postdoctoral positions for self motivated physicists and chemists in the field of energetic material research. The positions will be under the Research and Technology Department (Code R1) that houses 30 PhD scientists working on a broad range of topics related to synthesis and characterization of novel energetic materials, and ultrafast diagnostics of explosive processes. More details on the scope of work can be found at http://www.ih.navy.mil/departments/res-tec/index.html. The postdoctoral positions require knowledge in any of the following: inorganic/organometallic synthesis with emphasis on nanoscale materials, molecular self-assembly, thermite and intermetallic systems, organic synthesis, fast combustion, ultrafast spectroscopy, shock and detonation physics, chemical and mechanical properties of explosives that affect sensitivity, and molecular dynamics modeling. Demonstrated expertise through journal publications, presentations or patents is essential. Experience with energetic materials is advantageous. Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in physics or chemistry and must meet requirements of a security clearance including U.S. citizenship. The postdoctoral positions are expected to be filled in FY06-FY07, and would be via the NRL/ASEE Postdoctoral Program (http://www.asee.org/resources/fellowships/nrl/about.cfm. Resumes including contact information for recommendations, and a letter of application stating research interests should be sent to Dr. G.I. Pangilinan, Indian Head Division, Naval Sea Systems Command, 101 Strauss Ave, Indian Head, MD 20640-5000. IHD is an AA/EEO employer.
Naval Surface Warfare Center/Indian
Head
Indian Head Division
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, (NSWC-IHD), has the longest, continuously operating history of
any Naval ordnance facility in the United States. The organization was established in 1890 as the Naval Proving Ground.
In 1932, it became the Naval Powder Factory; in 1958, the Naval Propellant Plant; in 1966 the Naval Ordnance Station; and in
1982, The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division.
NSWC-IHD is involved in full spectrum energetics research, development, manufacturing, testing, and in-service engineering. The area of energetics encompasses explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, reactive materials, and specialty chemicals, including their immediately related component applications such
as rocket and missile propulsion units; warheads; mines; gun projectiles and propelling charges; and cartridge-actuated and propellant-actuated devices. These products require energetic materials such as explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, and
specialty chemicals in their design. The scope of capabilities at Indian Head allows for efficient use of specialized expertise and expensive facilities required for research and development, scale-up, manufacture, and testing of energetics.
Specific on-going research, development, and engineering science and technology areas under investigation at NSWC-IHD include:
Energetic material ingredient synthesis and scale-up, formulation and processing, detonation Science, applied mechanics, and
computational analysis.
Energetic Materials:
Chemical synthesis and scale-up of energetic and inert ingredients using conventional, biotechnological based,
and supercritical and liquid carbon dioxide methodologies; characterization of crystal morphology and particle size, as
well as binder/crystal interface effects on mechanical and sensitivity properties; characterization of solid/solid phase
reactions; formulation of explosives and propellants; and development and modeling of continuous and environmentally
benign processing technologies.
Detonation Science:
Development of fundamental detonation and shockwave physics models; modeling of both detonation initiation
and growth phenomena, and deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) reactions in explosives and propellants;
understanding mechanical and thermal initiation of explosives and pyrotechnics; and design and development of
initiation system components; evaluating explosive and propellent sensitivity and hazard analysis.
Applied Mechanics:
Developing warhead dynamic models for undersea applications; understanding penetration mechanics; establishing interior
and exterior ballistic codes; and developing models to relate damage mechanisms and theory.
Computer Analysis:
Developing equations of state to quantify linear and non-linear
analysis of structural systems/components; employing applications of two and three dimensional Eulerian, and coupled
Lagrangian-Eulerian codes to warhead performance modeling of explosives; and establishing material/structural responses
to explosion processes (high temperatures, pressures, and strain rate conditions).
Research, design, development, and test capabilities at the Indian Head Division provide the Navy and DoD with the
capability to transition all energetics from laboratory to production and on to service use. Important no-cost benefits
of this knowledge and experience are the ability to serve as the governments "smart-buyer" and facilities which can serve
as a warm base to manufacture energetics in times of emergency need. These capabilities have been extensively used in
every conflict over the last 100 years.
The Division hosts several other commands and activities including the
Naval Ordinance Center, the Naval Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technology Division, the Naval School Explosive Ordinance
Disposal, and the Naval Sea Logistics Center Atlantic Detachment. Each of these commands carries out an important Navy mission
and shares complementary interests.
Characteristics:
Located on a 3,500 acre peninsula in Charles County, Maryland
Largest employer in Charles County, 2,801 employees
(civil, military, and tenants)
1,600 building (1,500 used for operations)
$1.6 billion plant asset value
$75 million invested in the last ten years in environmental efforts
