Postdoctoral Research Associate - Process Modeling for the Fusion Fuel Cycle

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

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our multidisciplinary team working on the Fusion Fuel Cycle. We are specifically looking for candidates with a deep background in chemical engineering, particularly in process modeling and simulation. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply chemical engineering principles and computational tools to tackle the challenges of tritium handling, isotope separation, and gas processing in the fusion energy domain. You will work closely with engineers, physicists, and chemists to model and optimize systems critical to future fusion reactors. As part of the Advanced Materials and Energy Research team, the successful candidate would have an opportunity to:

• 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.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Deep understanding of mass transfer, separation processes, reactor modeling, and phase equilibria.
• Demonstrated experience with chemical process modeling software (e.g., 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience modeling systems relevant to the fusion fuel cycle (e.g., tritium handling, gas separation, hydrogen isotopes).
• Familiarity with process design, plant operations, or engineering economics.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization for large, simulation-generated datasets.
• Knowledge of plasma-material interactions, statistical mechanics, or molecular simulations is a plus but not required.

Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field (e.g., Nuclear, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering with strong chemical engineering applications).

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:

When applying, candidates must attach a resume, cover letter that addresses how the candidate meets the minimum job requirements, and their most recent transcripts showing evidence of degree conferral.

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.

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.

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.