What You Will Do
The Truchas Team within the Computational Physics and Methods group (CAI-2) is seeking an outstanding candidate for a postdoctoral position developing computational heat and fluid methods and software. In collaboration with their future mentor, they will propose a well-defined research plan that will allow them to develop new skills and knowledge and produce computational methods and results that can be published in the scientific literature and presented at technical conferences.
CAI-2 is a dynamic, collaborative group engaged in the entire computational-physics workflow, from developing novel methods to delivering production-grade single- and multi-physics codes. We engage in fundamental and applied research across diverse fields, including radiation transport, fluid dynamics and turbulent flows, metal casting and advanced manufacturing, Earth systems, astrophysics and plasma physics. The Truchas Team provides subject matter expertise and production software products in the areas of advanced manufacturing modeling and numerical methods for heat transfer, phase change, multiphase flows, electromagnetic heating, and solid mechanics.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Expertise
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas
- Theoretical and numerical methods for heat transfer and/or fluid flow
- Software development for heat transfer and/or fluid flow
- Computational modeling for welding or additive manufacturing
Communication
- Effective interpersonal skills, as well as excellent oral and written communications skills. Demonstrated ability to publish in the relevant academic journals.
Problem Solving
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and provide creative solutions for technically complex problems.
Computing
- Excellent scientific programming skills and experience with languages such as Fortran, C++, and/or Python for scientific applications. Ability to work and communicate effectively in a collaborative software development environment.
Clearance
- Eligible to apply for a DOE Q clearance.
Education/Experience: Ph.D. in applied mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field soon to be completed or completed within the last five years.\
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with MPI parallel programming
- Experience with modern software development techniques, i.e., compilers, continuous integration, unit testing, and regression testing
- Experience in other related science and application areas beyond those mentioned above, e.g., turbulence, plasma physics, thermal hydraulics, radiation health physics, radiation detection, radiation-hydrodynamics, multiphase flow, materials science
Work Environment:
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:
Along with your CV, please include a detailed cover letter detailing how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications. Please apply by Jan 15, 2027 for full consideration.
Additional information about LANL's postdoc program can be found at http://www.lanl.gov/postdocs/.
Contact Zach Jibben (zjibben@lanl.gov) and/or Erin Davis (ejdavis@lanl.gov ) for more details about this position.
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 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. Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
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