Welding & Joining Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the Welding & Joining (W&J) team to advance modeling and experimental research.

You will develop and apply advanced process models using finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to understand and optimize joining processes, with opportunities in experimental validation and data‑driven optimization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering, materials science, metallurgy, physics, or related field completed within the last five years or nearing completion.
• Strong background in welding/joining, materials science, and process modeling.
• Experience communicating research through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects in collaboration with mentor and team
• Validate computational predictions through experimental testing and advanced characterization
• Develop innovative methods to solve complex manufacturing challenges
• Collaborate across Sigma Division and with external partners to advance welding and joining technologies
• Author technical papers for peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at national conferences
• Contribute to proposal development for future research and development opportunities
• Provide technical expertise in welding, joining, and metallurgical sciences to support LANL's mission

Skills

Welding

Materials science

Process modeling

Programming

Publications

Team collaboration

Q clearance readiness

Education

PhD in engineering or related field

Tools

Abaqus

COMSOL

FLOW-3D

Job description

What You Will Do

Join the Welding & Joining (W&J) team to advance welding technologies through state-of-the‑art computational modeling and experimental research. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will focus on developing and applying advanced process models using finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to understand and optimize joining processes. Research opportunities also exist in experimental validation, advanced materials characterization, and data‑driven process optimization.

What You Will Do

Join the Welding & Joining (W&J) team to advance welding technologies through state-of-the‑art computational modeling and experimental research. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will focus on developing and applying advanced process models using finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to understand and optimize joining processes. Research opportunities also exist in experimental validation, advanced materials characterization, and data‑driven process optimization.

In this role, you will:

• Lead independent research projects in collaboration with your mentor and the W&J team
• Validate computational predictions through experimental testing and advanced characterization
• Develop innovative methods to solve complex manufacturing challenges
• Collaborate across Sigma Division and with external partners to advance welding and joining technologies
• Author technical papers for peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at national conferences
• Contribute to proposal development for future research and development opportunities
• Provide technical expertise in welding, joining, and metallurgical sciences to support LANL's mission

Our team supports diverse applications including high energy density welding (laser, electron beam), arc welding, brazing, and solid‑state joining. You will have access to state-of-the‑art experimental facilities to conduct world‑class research.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated background in fundamental or applied welding, joining, material science, process modeling, computer programming, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Evidence of successful collaboration in team‑based research environments
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship

Education/Experience:

Ph.D. in engineering, materials science, metallurgy, physics, or related field completed within the last five years or nearing completion.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with developing FEA and CFD models (Abaqus, COMSOL, and FLOW-3D) to simulate welding and additive manufacturing processes
• Experience with welding and joining processes including high‑energy‑density methods (laser beam welding, electron beam welding, laser/electron beam optics), arc welding (GTAW, GMAW), brazing, solid‑state welding, or other joining methods are desired but not required
• Knowledge of welding metallurgy, solidification phenomena, or advanced metallurgical characterization techniques
• Experience with structural integrity aspects of welding and joining, such as residual stress measurement/prediction, fracture mechanics analysis, flaw sizing techniques, and/or distortion modeling
• Experience with data acquisition systems, sensor technologies, or motion control systems for welding or additive manufacturing equipment
• Programming experience with Python, MATLAB, or other languages applicable to data analysis and process modeling
• Experience with project management or leading collaborative research initiatives
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing or materials science

Note to Applicants:

While computational modeling is the primary focus, candidates with complementary experimental or characterization expertise are encouraged to apply. Research projects will leverage your strengths and align with available opportunities and funding. We value diverse technical backgrounds and collaborative approaches to solving complex problems

• When submitting your application electronically to this vacancy, the following are required for the submission.
• A cover letter summarizing your skills, research areas of interest, and desire to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory
• A curriculum vitae or résumé that contains the following information: education, major, GPA, relevant work experience, relevant technical skills
• A list of professional references

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.

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.

Where You Will Work

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. Our generous benefits package includes:

• 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 favourable 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

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 authorisation 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 authorisation 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.

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 legalised 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, colour, 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.