Physical Sciences Post-Baccalaureate (Postbac) Student

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules and time off

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Job summary

A renowned multidisciplinary research institution in Los Alamos is seeking motivated candidates for a three-month Post-Baccalaureate Student role focused on verifying charged particle transport simulation capabilities. Candidates should have a STEM degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Responsibilities include performing high-impact research, developing analytic test problems, and contributing to the simulation verification work. This role allows for remote work, with some on-site requirements.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Experience with verification of charged particle transport.
• Ability to communicate well in a scientific context.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-impact research on charged particle transport.
• Verify LANL's charged particle transport simulation capability.
• Develop analytic test problems for simulation verification.

Skills

Proficient in Linux and Mac/Windows

Python

Fortran/C++

Scientific data analysis

Effective team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field

Job description

What You Will Do

You will perform high impact research at one of the world's most prestigious and innovative multidisciplinary research institutions supporting our national security mission. The Integrated Design and Assessment (XTD-IDA) group in the X Theoretical Design (XTD) division is seeking motivated candidates for a three-month Post-Baccalaureate Student appointment verifying LANL's charged particle transport simulation capability. This project is a deeper dive from previous projects verifying the charged particle transport (CPT) capability in our codes, based off of analytic test problems that include a cold-beam evolution problem (i.e., slowing‑down and spreading out in the velocity space) as it propagates through a thermal plasma; the alpha‑particle energy deposition and velocity distribution function evaluation in a burning ball of a deuterium‑tritium plasma; as well as two sophisticated problems addressing reaction‑in‑flight (RIF) physics. The growing body of this verification work, based off these analytic test problems, has errors on the order of a few percent. The goal of this project is to extend into more of these analytic problems; to develop capabilities in the code and to define refinements to the test problems that enable agreement down to machine error or estimated accumulated roundoff error; and to devise “comparison problems” that demonstrate proper code behavior for interesting and more complicated problems even if there exist no analytic solutions. Also, we should be looking for new analytic test problems. Test problems at the integral level can be designed to test unit‑physics plus all the interfaces in between. These integral test problems are only part of a broad verification effort that includes unit tests, regression tests, and tests of methods, algorithms, order of convergence, data, runtime behavior, computer science, order‑of‑operations, and parallel communication. These tests will need to be committed to the common model framework, and, if possible, live alongside the code. We are seeking to grow the breadth of testing and seek new analytic test problems. At a minimum, an end‑of‑summer presentation and close‑out memo are required; opportunities will be sought to present at conferences and publish in journals.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA that meets the LANL graduate research assistant requirements, generally at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Appointments are a limited term, full‑time status for no more than three months and not to overlap in time with any other LANL‑funded subcontract.
• Appointment will be remote, with at least one visit for a final project presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
• Experience working effectively as part of a team with a willingness to assist and support other team members as needed and ability to work independently.
• Proficient in the use of Linux and Mac/Windows, python, Fortran/C++, and other scripting languages; LANL‑security‑minded AI/ML use and development; and standard office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with verification of charged particle transport
• Demonstrated skill with computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis
• Exposure to and interest in plasma physics and inertial confinement fusion
• Undergraduate degree in a physical science is preferred

Education and Experience

Awarded a bachelor's degree in a STEM related field from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 within the last three years.

Work Location

The work location for this position has the potential for remote work. Remote work is defined as working offsite that is greater than 2 hours of the Laboratory location. Reporting onsite may be periodically necessary. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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.

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

Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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.

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.

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.