Postdoctorial Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Flexible schedules and time off

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral candidate in Los Alamos, NM to develop advanced computational models focusing on solidification in metals and alloys. Responsibilities include enhancing modeling techniques and collaborating with experimentalists to validate models.

A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related fields, along with expertise in advanced manufacturing and programming for scientific applications, are essential. Candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for Q Clearance. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including medical and developmental opportunities.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in relevant fields within five years or soon to be completed.
• Knowledge in advanced manufacturing processes.
• Experience in programming languages for large-scale applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced computational models.
• Collaborate with experimentalists on model calibration.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Welding, casting and advanced manufacturing processes

C/C++, MPI, Trilinos, Kokkos, OpenMP, CUDA

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related fields

Job description

What You Will Do

The Fluid Mechanics and Solid Mechanics group (T‑3) of the Theoretical Division seeks a postdoctoral candidate to develop and apply advanced computational models for manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on solidification in metals and alloys and large‑scale simulation on emerging exascale architectures. Research activities include enhancing phase‑field models for microstructure evolution, grain evolution and segregation physics; continuum‑scale fluid and solid mechanics modeling; developing AI/ML methods to integrate experimental and simulation data for manufacturing‑process optimization; and implementing numerical algorithms and parallel scientific codes within existing finite element software. Collaboration with experimentalists will calibrate and validate new models and enhancements.

A successful applicant will communicate accomplishments with the primary mentor, contribute expertise to technical discussions, fulfill technical goals, and satisfy required deliverables such as codes, models, LANL reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and software, while following LANL safety and security procedures.

What You Need

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related fields is required. The candidate must be within five years of Ph.D. completion or soon to be completed prior to appointment.

• Knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Welding, casting and advanced manufacturing processes
  • Experience in C/C++, MPI, Trilinos, Kokkos, OpenMP, CUDA, HIP/ROCm or other programming languages and software used for large‑scale parallel scientific applications
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in phase‑field modeling of microstructure evolution, solidification, grain growth, segregation, or related materials phenomena
• Development of numerical algorithms for parallel scientific applications on high‑performance computing platforms, including emerging and exascale architectures
• Finite element methods, implicit time integration schemes, and linear and nonlinear solver technologies
• Continuum‑scale fluid and solid mechanics
• Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and numerical optimization methods for scientific computing and materials modeling
• Model calibration, validation, and uncertainty quantification using experimental and computational data
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment
• Strong record of peer‑reviewed journal publications and conference presentations

Work Environment

Work Location: Onsite, Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Eligibility

Postdoc appointment is valid for two years. Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Q Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a 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)

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.