Theoretical Astrophysics Postdoc — Computation & ML

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; Full time

Job description

Overview

The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (CTA) invites applications for multiple postdoctoral positions in theoretical and computational astrophysics for fiscal year 2027. The CTA is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary community of over 50 staff, postdocs, and students from across LANL, focused on advancing astrophysics research and its connections to laboratory missions.

Responsibilities

Postdocs in the CTA use semi-analytical models, high-performance multi-physics simulations, data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence to tackle key problems across astrophysics. Research areas include supernovae and kilonovae, gamma-ray bursts, accretion, stellar evolution, planetary physics, and cosmology. CTA teams collaborate with LANL and external partners to connect theory with observations from missions such as HAWC, NuSTAR, LIGO, LISA, JWST, EHT, and ZTF. The Center also works to translate computational advances in astrophysics to other LANL mission areas, including the Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, the Office of Experimental Sciences, and Global Security programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in developing, applying, or analyzing numerical simulations to advance the understanding of astrophysics.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: hydrodynamics, radiation transport, reaction networks, atomic/molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, high energy density physics experiments, machine learning or artificial intelligence.
• Experience with compiled or interpreted programming languages, for example: C, C++, Fortran, Julia, and/or Python.
• Experience applying data science including statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and large-scale data processing to extract insights from complex scientific datasets from simulation, experiment, or observation.
• Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences.
• Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment, including familiarity with running, developing, or post-processing simulations and data on large systems or experience programming for GPU's and multi-core systems with MPI, CUDA, Kokkos, OpenMP, etc.
• Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers, and a strong desire to work in broad interdisciplinary teams that cross LANL programs.

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

• 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)
• Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000, increasing with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
• Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third.
• Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship.

Eligibility Restrictions

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.

Security & Background Checks

No clearance required. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks. The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test.

Additional Information

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

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.

Application Details

Contact: [e-mail]. When applying online, please include a CV (please include month/year of PhD), three letters of reference, and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest in working with the CTA, mentor(s) the candidate is interested in collaborating with, and how they satisfy the requirements for the position.

Application deadlines: For full consideration for the fall 2026 quarterly fellowship round please apply by September 7, 2026. For full consideration for the winter 2027 quarterly fellowship round please apply by November 30, 2026. For all other positions apply by February 2, 2027, for full consideration for the 2027 fiscal year.

For general information go to the websites for the Postdoc Program (https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/postdoctoral-research) or the Center For Theoretical Astrophysics (https://cta.lanl.gov/).