Turbulence and Coherent Structures Postdoctoral Researcher for Ocean or Fusion Applications

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Relocation packages

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks researchers to model and control turbulence for fusion and ocean applications. You will join an interdisciplinary team of turbulence scientists, ocean modelers, and plasma physicists, collaborating with LANL staff and the University of Michigan.

The role emphasizes cross-domain skills, high-performance computing, and novel reduced-order modeling techniques. US citizenship and Q clearance may be required depending on assignment.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last five years or near completion.
• Experience in fluid dynamics, plasma physics, or geophysical/ocean turbulence.
• Programming experience in CFD codes using C++, Fortran, or Python.
• Strong mathematical techniques for fluid/plasma dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; collaborative mindset.
• Willingness to obtain a Q clearance (US citizenship typically required).

Responsibilities

• Model and control turbulence for fusion and ocean applications.
• Collaborate with LANL staff and University of Michigan faculty.
• Develop cross-domain skills across turbulence, ocean, and plasma physics.

Skills

Domain expertise in turbulence

Magnetohydrodynamics

Ocean fluid modeling

C++

Fortran

Python

Mathematics for fluid dynamics

Communication and collaboration

Continuous learning

Turbulence multiphysics

Reduced-order modeling

Exact coherent structures

Dynamical systems & control

High-performance computing

Education

PhD in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics or related field

Tools

C++

Fortran

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

Be a part of our innovative new project to model and control turbulence focusing on two critical applications: magnetically confined fusion and transport in the ocean. Our interdisciplinary team of turbulence scientists, ocean modelers, and plasma physicists is working to develop a new paradigm of coherent structure-based turbulence modeling. The goal is fast, accurate, low-order models which can be used to provide robust predictions of ocean currents and for control of fusion systems. We are looking for candidates with a background in any of these fields who are excited by the opportunity to develop cross-domain skills. You will have the opportunity to work with Los Alamos National Laboratory staff from our X Computational Physics and Theoretical divisions and in close collaboration with faculty at the University of Michigan. The position may be located in either Ann Arbor, MI, or Los Alamos, NM. Up to three positions are available.

What You Will Do

Be a part of our innovative new project to model and control turbulence focusing on two critical applications: magnetically confined fusion and transport in the ocean. Our interdisciplinary team of turbulence scientists, ocean modelers, and plasma physicists is working to develop a new paradigm of coherent structure-based turbulence modeling. The goal is fast, accurate, low-order models which can be used to provide robust predictions of ocean currents and for control of fusion systems. We are looking for candidates with a background in any of these fields who are excited by the opportunity to develop cross-domain skills. You will have the opportunity to work with Los Alamos National Laboratory staff from our X Computational Physics and Theoretical divisions and in close collaboration with faculty at the University of Michigan. The position may be located in either Ann Arbor, MI, or Los Alamos, NM. Up to three positions are available.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Domain Expertise

Research experience in at least one of the following areas:

• The theory, simulation, or modeling of fluid turbulence
• Magnetohydrodynamics or plasma physics
• Modeling and simulation of ocean flows

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Programming experience working in computational fluid dynamics codes. You will need to be familiar with at least one of the languages C++, Fortran, or Python.

Mathematics

Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical techniques relevant to fluid and/or plasma dynamics.

Communication and Collaboration

Verbal and written communication skills are critical for this position. In addition to scientific publication and conference presentations, you will be expected to educate LANL staff about your research and work collaboratively to apply it to problems of LANL interest.

Continuous Learning

This position involves developing novel research tools and applying them in new ways. The successful candidate needs to demonstrate initiative for continuous learning and skill development as an approach to new challenges.

Clearance

Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.

Education/Experience

A Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field, in the areas of fluid dynamics, plasma physics, or oceans, completed withing the last five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications

Turbulence Multiphysics

Research in the interactions between turbulence and other physics processes is a plus. This would ideally include magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, geophysical turbulence, or turbulence in environmental flows at any scale.

Reduced-Order Modeling for Turbulence

Research in the broad area of developing reduced-order models that describe or predict turbulent flow physics.

Exact Coherent Structures

Experience with the theory or computation of exact coherent structure and invariant solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations.

Dynamical Systems and Control

Experience or training in the theory, modeling, and simulation of dynamical systems and control theory.

High-Performance Scientific Computing

Experience in scientific computing is a plus, especially any of the following: modern software engineering practices and tools, high-performance optimization including MPI and GPU programming, or being part of a code development team.

Work Environment

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the LANL Michigan SPARC. All work locations are at the discretion of management. Depending on applicant preference and job requirements, this position could also be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants

For full consideration provide (i) a cover letter describing how you meet all the listed job requirements and desired qualifications, (ii) a comprehensive CV with complete list of publications, and (iii) names of three references. Questions about this position can be directed to Daniel Israel ([e-mail]).

Depending on applicant preference and job requirements, this position could also be located in Los Alamos, NM.

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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, the LANL Michigan SPARC is a multidisciplinary research collaboration between Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of Michigan. SPARC fosters an agile and innovation focused environment where LANL scientists partner with U-M faculty and students to deliver for LANL's mission.

• 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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.