Undergraduate student

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 31,092 - 42,058; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Job summary

A leading national research laboratory located in Los Alamos, NM, seeks outstanding undergraduate research assistants. The collaborative role involves conducting research in fluid dynamics and solid mechanics, engaging with theoretical and computational mechanics, and working on diverse projects. Candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor's program in Physics, Applied Mathematics, or Engineering with a minimum 3.2 GPA. This position offers salary ranging from $22.57/hr to $30.53/hr based on educational progress.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3.2 GPA on undergraduate coursework.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in theoretical and computational mechanics.
• Work on modeling and simulation of fluids and deforming solids.

Skills

Ability to work within a collaborative team environment

Desire to learn new things

Ability to independently learn scientific software

Research experience in fluid dynamics

Education

Enrollment in a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or related field

Job description

What You Will Do

The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) of the Theoretical Division seeks outstanding candidates for several undergraduate research assistant positions. Each successful candidate will conduct research in one or more of the group’s active research areas outlined below. The group conducts research in theoretical and computational mechanics including modeling and simulation of fluids and deforming solids over multiple length and time scales. The portfolio emphasizes coupling advanced models and numerical methods for materials dynamics at all velocities and coupled physical processes, including large solid deformation, multiphase flows, chemical reactions, phase change, heat and mass transfer, and combustion. This multi‑disciplinary group works with diverse engineering, physics, and applied mathematics fields. It serves customers such as the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nuclear Weapons Program, other Department of Energy offices, the Department of Defense, private industry, and encourages collaborations with academia.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Enrollment in a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum 3.2 GPA on undergraduate coursework.
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment.
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects.

Education / Experience

Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or a related field.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and perform analytical calculations.
• Research experience in theoretical modeling and numerical computation of fluid dynamics, solid deformations, or related physics field.

Work Location

The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants

For full consideration, a package must include a CV.

• Applicant reviews will begin on January 3rd, 2026.
• The initial appointment is for 3 months, with possible extensions of up to 3–4 years depending on progress and funding.
• If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail] or [e-mail].
• Salaries range from $22.57/hr to $30.53/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/_assets/docs/Student%20Salary%20Structure%202023.pdf

Federal Restrictions

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not lawful permanent residents, are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work and Benefits

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

• 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) with 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. 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

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 including 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 documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to 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.