Fusion Fuel Cycle Process Modeling Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Tuition assistance

PTO & holidays

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group to join a multidisciplinary team focused on the Fusion Fuel Cycle. You will develop detailed process models of isotope separation units, gas purification systems, and tritium processing plants using Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or Python.

The role emphasizes model validation, parametric analyses, and collaboration with engineers, physicists, and chemists to guide

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of mass transfer, separation processes, reactor modeling, and phase equilibria.
• Experience with chemical process modeling software (Aspen Plus, COMSOL) and/or scientific programming (MATLAB, Python, Fortran).
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a track record of independent technical contributions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to publish and present technical work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement detailed process models of fusion fuel cycle systems (e.g., isotope separation units, gas purification systems, tritium processing plants).
• Use chemical process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or Python to model transport phenomena, chemical reactions, and phase behavior.
• Conduct parametric and sensitivity analyses to assess system performance under various operating conditions.
• Interface with experimental teams to validate simulation results and refine models.
• Contribute to the design of predictive, scalable tools to guide R&D and system integration.
• Present research findings through publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration across fusion science, chemical engineering, and materials science.

Skills

Mass transfer

Separation processes

Reactor modeling

Phase equilibria

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

Job description

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group to join a multidisciplinary team focused on the Fusion Fuel Cycle. You will develop detailed process models of isotope separation units, gas purification systems, and tritium processing plants using Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or Python.

The role emphasizes model validation, parametric analyses, and collaboration with engineers, physicists, and chemists to guide