Computational Physics Post-Bachelor Student

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 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 matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for a post-bachelor student in Computational Physics. The position involves contributing to the Adaptive Machine Learning Team, where you will aid in enhancing accelerator operations through machine learning and simulations.

The successful candidate will engage in optimizing accelerator tuning and software modernization. This one-year position, with an opportunity for renewal, is based in Los Alamos, NM, offering flexible hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree must be obtained within three years of the hire date.
• Graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Must not be enrolled in a graduate program at hire.

Responsibilities

• Support computational aspects of research in accelerator optimization and tuning.
• Modernize existing software with physics-constrained machine learning.
• Develop differentiable physics simulations.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Ability to write clear, documented code

Effective communication

Independent research skills

Experience in a research environment

Education

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

Tools

C++

GPU computing

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 a related field at the time of starting the position from an accredited university. The degree must have been obtained within three years of the hire date.
• Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Must not have accepted or be enrolled in a graduate program at the time of hire.

Work Environment

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 a two‑hour 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.

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.

Benefits

• 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 Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the 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: The 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.