Postdoctoral Researcher in Dynamic Systems, Optimization, Control, and Energy Networks

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Tuition assistance

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, seeks qualified candidates to join the Theoretical Division (T-5) for developing novel algorithms in surrogate modeling, optimization, and economic analysis of energy networks. The role emphasizes numerical methods, spectral techniques, and high‑performance computing on advanced architectures, with collaboration across disciplines.

The position requires a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics or related fields (completed within five years or soon).

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals and to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and develop solutions for complex problems while networking with peers.
• Expertise in dynamical systems, control theory, optimization, and network science.
• Proficiency in one or more of MATLAB, Python, Julia, Rust, and/or C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel algorithms for surrogate modeling, inference, and parameter estimation.
• Work on optimization, optimal control, and economic analysis of energy networks.
• Develop numerical methods using spectral approximation and interior‑point optimization.
• Leverage high‑performance computing and novel architectures as needed.
• Collaborate with mentors and collaborators across disciplines.

Skills

Publication record

Collaboration

Dynamical systems

Control theory

Optimization

Network science

Education

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Julia

Rust

C/C++

Job description

What You Will Do

We are seeking qualified candidates to join the Theoretical Division (T‑Division) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. T‑Division offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in support of the Laboratory’s strategic basic research and national security missions. Within T‑Division, the Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics Group (T‑5) conducts cutting‑edge research in areas such as novel algorithms, numerical methods, and theoretical modeling. Applications span a wide range of fields, including fusion, high energy density science, space plasma physics, astrophysics, numerical analysis, machine learning, computational imaging, optimization, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and the modeling of critical infrastructure systems such as gas pipelines and electrical grids.

The selected candidate will work closely with mentors and collaborators to develop novel algorithms for surrogate modeling, inference, parameter estimation, optimization, optimal control, and economic analysis of energy networks focusing on electric power and natural gas transmission and distribution. The work will involve developing new numerical methods that use spectral approximation, interior‑point optimization, and numerical linear algebra, potentially using high‑performance computing on novel architectures and agentic artificial intelligence systems. A strong background in optimization and control with emphasis on numerical methods and algorithms is required, and a demonstrated ability to develop and test novel computational methods to address scientific and technical issues is preferred. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possibility of a third‑year extension contingent on performance and available funding.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Computational Science, or a closely related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

• Demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals and to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and develop solutions for complex problems while networking with peers.
• Expertise in dynamical systems, control theory, optimization, and network science.
• Proficiency in one or more of MATLAB, Python, Julia, Rust, and/or C/C++.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in developing and implementing numerical methods for optimization in function space.
• Experience in scientific computing.
• Experience with software development and version control.
• Experience with quantitative economics.

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.

Benefits

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) offers a generous benefits package, including:

• 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).

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the Ph.D. degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $97,000.

Legal and Employment Information

Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the 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: This position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

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.