Computational Plasma Physics Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral position focusing on plasma physics simulations for the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program. The successful candidate will work within the CAI-2 group to develop and optimize implosion modeling and numerical methods, collaborating across experiment and theory teams at LANL in Los Alamos, NM.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field and demonstrated research ability with publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in computational plasma physics or closely related field.
• Experience with numerical methods and modeling HEDP or related systems.
• Publications, reports, presentations, or awards indicating strong research ability.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, requiring US Citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to implosion modeling and design optimization of experimental platforms.
• Improve numerical approaches for plasma physics simulations.
• Collaborate with LANL teams, including experiments and target fabrication, to advance ICF programs.

Skills

Fortran

C/C++

Python

Numerical methods

Computational plasma physics

Communication skills

DOE Q Clearance eligibility

Education

Ph.D. in computational plasma physics, applied mathematics, computational science or related field

Tools

High-Performance Computing

Job description

What You Will Do

The Computational Physics and Methods group (CAI-2) is seeking an outstanding candidate for a postdoctoral position focused on plasma physics simulations for the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program. Los Alamos National Laboratory is a leader in the development of volume burn ICF, such as the double shell concept, that seeks to study the interactions of thermonuclear burn, radiation coupling, and high-atomic-number mix. Development of these platforms requires the close collaboration between experiment, target fabrication, theoretical and numerical efforts to study volumetric thermonuclear burn at the National Ignition Facility. The successful postdoctoral candidate is expected to work in the LANL Double Shell team environment. Together with their future mentor, they will contribute to implosion modeling, designing and optimizing experimental platforms, and improving numerical approaches. Results will be published in the scientific literature and presented at technical conferences.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience with numerical methods and modeling HEDP or related systems
• Proficiency in Fortran, C/C++, or Python
• Demonstrated research ability in computational plasma physics, as evidenced by publications, reports, presentations, awards, etc.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship

Education/Experience:

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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with massively parallel numerical simulations and deploying numerical algorithms on high-performance computing architectures
• Ability to work independently as well as to work effectively as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment and interact with people of a variety of expertise

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

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 Details

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.