Computational Physics Post-Bachelor Student

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with 6% matching

Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is looking for a post-bachelor student in computational physics. You will be part of the Adaptive Machine Learning team focused on enhancing accelerator operations using innovative machine learning and physics-based simulations.

This one-year position requires proficiency in Python, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and experience in a research environment. A hybrid work arrangement may be possible, with regular onsite reporting required.

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree before starting the position.
• GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale required.
• Cannot be enrolled in a graduate program at time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support accelerator optimization and tuning through modern software.
• Contribute to research on machine learning applications.
• Work on developing differentiable physics simulations.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

C++ proficiency

Effective communication

Research independence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science or related field

Job description

What You Will Do

The Adaptive Machine Learning team is seeking a post‑bachelor student in computational physics. The team is part of the Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division within the Instrumentation and Control (IC) Group. Our work focuses on research and development to improve accelerator operations through machine learning, control theory, and physics‑based simulation. Beyond research and development, the team supports the implementation of practical, operationally relevant solutions for the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE).

The successful candidate will contribute to the computational aspects of this research. In particular, the candidate will support efforts to improve accelerator optimization and tuning by modernizing existing software, applying physics‑constrained machine learning, or developing differentiable physics simulations.

The position is for one year, renewable for a second year. Please apply before July 15th, 2026.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Proficiency in Python.
• Able to write clear, documented code.
• Able to communicate effectively.
• Able to perform research independently.
• Experience working in a research environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in Python and C++; experience with GPU computing is a plus.
• A good understanding of classical mechanics and electromagnetism.
• Knowledge of the physics of particle beams and/or plasmas.
• Experience in nuclear, particle or accelerator physics research.
• Experience with machine learning and/or differentiable physics simulations.

Education/Experience

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field at the time of starting the position from an accredited university. Degree must have been obtained within 3 years of hire date.
• Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Not to have accepted or be enrolled in a graduate program at time of hire.

Work Location

This position is located in Los Alamos, NM with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement (partially onsite/partially offsite) from a location within 2 hours ground commute of this location. Reporting onsite will be regularly required. Hybrid is at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice. Some interns may work a 9/80 schedule at the discretion of management and in accordance with the Student Programs Office guidebook.

Note to Applicants

Required Application Materials

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People’s Republic of China—including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau—as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Detail

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

New‑Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.