Computational Plasma Physics/Machine Learning Postdoc

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 87,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO or HDHP)

Dental and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Matching 401(k) and retirement plans

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group. The successful candidate will develop machine learning–enabled complexity reduction methods for multiscale plasma physics simulations, including reduced-order and surrogate modeling, uncertainty quantification, and scalable algorithms.

The role involves close collaboration with statisticians, applied mathematicians, and physicists within LANL and with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in computational plasma physics, applied mathematics, computational science or closely related field, completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
• Experience with Machine Learning for science applications
• Experience programming in Fortran, C++, Python
• Experience with numerical methods
• Demonstrated research ability with publications, reports, presentations, awards, etc.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

Responsibilities

• Develop machine learning–enabled complexity reduction methods for multiscale plasma physics simulations.
• Explore reduced-order modeling, surrogate modeling, uncertainty quantification, and scalable algorithms for plasma applications.
• Collaborate with statisticians, applied mathematicians, physicists, and groups across LANL.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research spanning national and international teams.

Skills

Machine learning for science

Excellent communication

Fortran

C++

Python

Numerical methods

Tools

Fortran

C++

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

The successful candidate will develop machine learning-enabled complexity reduction methods for multiscale plasma physics simulations. Research topics include reduced-order modeling, surrogate modeling, uncertainty quantification, and scalable computational algorithms for plasma applications.

This position is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative team and work alongside leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. The project brings together statisticians, applied mathematicians, and physicists within T-5, while also fostering close collaborations with other groups at Los Alamos-including the Intelligence and Space Research Division and the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. Beyond Los Alamos, the work connects with teams across the U.S. and around the world, offering broad opportunities to engage and contribute at the forefront of science.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• A Ph.D. in computational plasma physics, applied mathematics, computational science or a closely related field, completed within the past five years or soon to be completed
• Experience with Machine Learning for science applications
• Experience programing in Fortran, C++, Python
• Experience with numerical methods
• Demonstrated research ability in computational plasma physics and/or machine learning, as evidenced by publications, reports, presentations, awards, etc.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work independently as well as to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise
• Willingness and flexibility to take initiative and pursue new research directions

Work Environment

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants

LocateThe T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral position targeting the intersection of computational plasma physics and machine learning.

T-5 is an interdisciplinary group that combines expertise in applied mathematics, plasma physics, computational physics, and AI to solve critical national and international challenges ranging from energy resilience to safeguarding space.

• The review of the candidates will begin September 15th with the expectation that the selected candidate will start in the fall.
• This appointment is valid for two years with a possible third year extension.
• Minimum starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
• US citizenship is not a requirement
• Strong candidates may be eligible for a Laboratory fellowship.

See https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-appointment-types.php for details.

For additional information, please contact Gian Luca Delzanno ([e-mail]).

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 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.