Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); Presencial; USD 87.000 - 107.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the XTD nuclear weapons design division. The role involves engaging with hydrodynamics, plasma physics and dynamic materials research using high-performance simulations, collaborating with LANL scientists and external partners.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in a relevant field and a strong foundation in numerical methods, computational physics, and Python, with the ability to obtain a Q‑clearance and

Formación

• Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, nuclear or mechanical engineering, material science, or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

Responsabilidades

• Collaborate with LANL scientists to design and run hydrodynamics, nonlinear fluid dynamics, plasma physics and dynamic material properties studies.
• Use computational tools to analyze experimental data, design new experiments, and advance simulation methodologies.
• Communicate findings through publications and internal reports; contribute to cross-institutional collaborations.

Conocimientos

Numerical methods

Computational physics

UNIX/Linux

Python scripting

Educación

PhD in physics / astrophysics / applied mathematics / nuclear or mechanical engineering / materials science

Descripción del empleo

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

What You Will Do

Join our world‑class team! Now is your chance to make a difference in supporting our national security mission. XTD is the nuclear weapons design division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). We use sophisticated multi physics simulations on high performance supercomputers to ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent and assess global nuclear threats. We staffed by scientists and engineers who come from a variety of disciplines, including physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, nuclear and mechanical engineering, and material science. The successful candidate will work with XTD researchers in areas such as hydrodynamics, nonlinear fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and dynamic material properties. This research will typically use computational tools to analyze experimental data, design new experiments, and advance the state of the art in modeling and simulation. The successful candidate will collaborate with LANL scientists and engineers, as well as scientists at other laboratories and universities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge

You must have an interest in learning a broad range of physics. As well as knowledge of or ability to learn, the UNIX/Linux operating system, scripting languages such as python, and open‑source and commercial scientific tools. You must have a working knowledge of numerical methods and computational physics.

Communication

For this role, you must have the ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, interpersonally and to large audiences. A penchant for publishing at all levels ranging from open archival journals to internal laboratory reports and memoranda.

Collaboration

It is important that you have the ability to provide experimental design leadership while effectively collaborating across the spectrum of scientists, engineers, managers, administrators, and laboratories/universities.

Desired Qualifications

• Expertise in numerical methods, methods analysis, computational physics and software.
• Experience leading or supporting experiments.

Clearance

Applicants must have the ability to obtain a Q‑clearance, which typically requires U.S. Citizenship.

Education/Experience

Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, nuclear or mechanical engineering, material science, or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment. Applications from candidates who will earn their degree by the time of appointment are accepted.

Location

This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Salary

Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $97,000.00. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Note to Applicants

Please attach a resume and a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills. Please note that without a resume and cover letter your application will not be considered.

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 maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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.

Clearance

Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1‑505‑664‑6947 option 2 and then option 3.