Sigma-1 Process Modeling Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Security LLC

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 85,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with 6% matching

Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC in Los Alamos, NM, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher focused on computational modeling for manufacturing processes. The candidate will develop models pertaining to materials compatibility and lifetime predictions, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and conduct independent research. Expertise in simulation models and programming, particularly in Python or similar languages, is essential. The successful applicant will also need to obtain a Q clearance. Benefits include competitive insurance, 401(k) matching, tuition assistance, and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

Demonstrated experience developing and validating computational models.
Ability to conduct independent research in teams.
Demonstrated communication skills for technical findings.

Responsibilities

Develop and apply computational models for manufacturing processes.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams effectively.
Communicate research results clearly through various formats.

Skills

Experience developing computational simulation models

Programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB)

Knowledge in heat transfer and solidification

Experience with multiphysics tools

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

Abaqus

COMSOL

OpenFOAM

Job description

What You Will Do

Sigma Division is seeking postdoctoral candidates to develop and apply computational models for manufacturing process development, optimization, materials compatibility, and lifetime prediction. This position will support a broad range of metals and materials processing efforts, with a primary emphasis on casting, heat treatment, thermal‑mechanical distortion, and process‑structure‑property relationships. The successful candidate will work with a mentor and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, technicians, and technologists to build predictive models, validate those models against experimental data, and translate results into actionable guidance for Los Alamos National Laboratory mission programs.

The Sigma Complex is a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that provides materials, components, manufacturing science, and process development to Los Alamos experimental programs. Sigma Division works across a wide materials space, including metal alloys, ceramics, composites, and unconventional materials, and supports national security missions through research, development, and applied manufacturing capabilities.

Specific projects and processes will be shaped by the candidate's expertise and interests, mission needs within the team, and available funding. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to help guide the technical direction of their project with their mentor, conduct independent research in small teams, communicate results clearly, and support smooth handoff of validated models or findings for future application.

The successful candidate will communicate results through oral briefings, technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and conference presentations. The role requires strong organization, technical judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a team‑based research and experimental facility environment.

Modeling Efforts May Include

Metal casting, solidification dynamics, and heat‑transfer‑driven process behavior
Casting and heat‑treatment distortion, residual stress, and thermal‑mechanical deformation
Mass transfer, fluid flow, gas‑solid interactions, and diffusion modeling
Heat treatment response, microstructure evolution, thermodynamics, and kinetics
Electrochemical forming, etching, corrosion, and related materials compatibility phenomena
Coupling of computational simulation with experimental process data for model validation and process optimization

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and validating computational simulation models for materials, manufacturing processes, or coupled physical phenomena.
Demonstrated experience with multiphysics, finite element, molecular dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, or related process modeling tools such as Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL, STAR‑CCM+, Flow3D, OpenFOAM, MOOSE, LAMMPS, MATLAB, Python‑based simulation workflows, or comparable commercial or custom software.
Programming or scripting experience, preferably with Python, C++, Java, MATLAB, or a comparable language used for model development, data analysis, workflow automation, or numerical simulation.
Technical knowledge relevant to one or more of the following areas: heat transfer, solidification, diffusion, fluid flow, thermodynamics, kinetics, microstructure evolution, thermal‑mechanical deformation, residual stress, corrosion, or materials compatibility.
Ability to conduct independent research while working effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document research methods, present technical findings, and communicate with scientists, engineers, technicians, technologists, and program stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability or potential to publish research in peer‑reviewed journals, present at technical conferences, and contribute to proposals for research and development funding.
Ability to work successfully in a complex regulatory environment and experimental facility.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Desired Qualifications

Research experience in casting, heat treatment, thermal‑mechanical distortion, residual stress prediction, or process modeling for metallic materials.
Experience coupling simulation results with experimental data for calibration, validation, uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, or process optimization.
Experience with gas‑solid interaction, diffusion, materials compatibility, corrosion, or lifetime prediction models.
Experience using artificial intelligence, machine learning, surrogate modeling, reduced‑order modeling, or optimization methods in combination with physics‑based simulation.
Experience with commercial or open-source engineering tools such as COMSOL, Abaqus, STAR‑CCM+, Flow3D, OpenFOAM, MOOSE, LAMMPS, MATLAB, CREO, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Catia, AutoCAD, or related tools.
Hands‑on or collaborative experience with manufacturing or materials‑processing experiments, particularly casting, heat treating, forming, or other metals‑processing operations.
Demonstrated record of working safely and productively in laboratory, manufacturing, industrial, or regulated experimental environments.
Self‑motivated research style, technical curiosity, and a record of contributing effectively within small interdisciplinary teams.
Active DOE Q clearance or other active federal security clearance.

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.

Clearance

The position will require a Q clearance. Selected candidates 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. Obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Additional authorization to access classified information may be required and is a decision of the Federal Government.

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.

Benefits