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Postdoctoral Researcher in High Energy Density Physics

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 1/31/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/1/2025
What You Will Do

We are looking for candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division provides a unique and engaging environment that fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations to support the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research in novel algorithms, numerical methods, and theoretical studies for a variety of applications including fusion and high energy density science, space plasma science, astrophysics, numerical analysis, machine learning, computational imaging, optimization, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure (gas pipelines and electrical grids).

The successful candidate will use state-of-the-art coupled radiation kinetic plasma codes as well as radiation hydrodynamic codes to unravel complex non-local thermal equilibrium processes in high energy density physics (HEDP) systems such as inertial confinement fusion experiments. Depending on the interests and skills of the successful candidate, the research may focus on developing new capabilities into the codes or applying the codes to aid in developing a deeper understanding of HEDP systems or both. The candidate will also be expected to work in a diverse team of both internal and external collaborators comprised of applied mathematicians, engineers, physicists, computer scientists, and experimentalists to execute their job.

A background in plasma physics, astrophysics, or nuclear engineering is desired, with experience in running/developing large-scale parallel physics codes to model complex experiments or leading complex HEDP experiments with the aid of such tools. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible third-year extension depending on performance and funding availability.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering, Computational Science, or a closely related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

  • Must be able to obtain a security clearance.
  • Demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals, and to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers.
  • Experience in developing and/or applying Lagrangian or Eulerian methods to solve partial differential equations.
  • Proficiency in one or several of the following programing languages: C/C , Python, Julia, and Fortran.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Expertise in theoretical or computational plasma physics and/or astrophysics.
  • Experience with development and use of massively parallel physics codes.
  • Experience designing and leading complex high energy density physics experiments such as inertial confinement fusion capsules.

Note to Applicants:

In addition to applying online, please send a cover letter and CV (including the contact information of three references) to William T. Taitano at taitano@lanl.gov. When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year PhD expected/obtained) and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest and qualifications in this research area.

Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, Mark Kac Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to the Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

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.

Note to Applicants:

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.

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 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.

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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.

Salary : $94,500

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