What You Will Do

The T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral position in computational science to perform innovative research in applied mathematics and research software engineering. Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics Group has a vibrant research program in applied mathematics through projects supported by the DOE Office of Science, DOE Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), internal funding, and interdisciplinary collaborations across LANL and with several universities. This research is centered around the following themes:

• Developing novel numerical methods for large-scale multiphysics applications
• Implementing advanced numerical algorithms within next-generation modeling tools
• High performance computing on advanced architectures
• Modern scientific software engineering and development practices

In this two-year postdoc position, you will work with a multi-disciplinary team of computational scientists, applied mathematicians, and domain scientists (computational hydrologists, climate and ocean modelers), focused on developing multi-physics models for high-resolution simulations using high-performance computational architectures. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in one or more of the following areas:

• Continued development of existing multi-physics hydro-terrestrial models, including integration with other systems, such as ocean, lakes, river networks, and human infrastructure.
• Explore interactions of surface/subsurface water in coastal regions to improve predictions of the impacts of environmental change on the vulnerability and resilience of natural and human built systems.
• Develop a multiscale framework for high-resolution modeling of basin-scale nutrient transport and its impact on carbon-climate feedbacks.
• Perform uncertainty quantification studies and sensitivity analysis of models and model output.
• Implement novel models and advanced numerical methods in production quality community research codes using best practices in software development , including rigorous testing and validation, community training, and outreach.
• Enhance the capabilities of the open-source DOE-developed (e.g. Advanced Terrestrial Simulator (ATS)) and supporting mesh generation tools (e.g., TINerator).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Expertise in any of the following research areas: applied mathematics, computer science, computational physics, and computational geosciences.
• Experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas: developing and/or using discretization methods for systems of PDEs, time integrations schemes and nonlinear solvers.
• Experience programming with modern C, and/or C++.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills including the communication of technical information and building relationships with collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly in presentations.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence as evidenced by submission and publication of authored publications in refereed journals.

Education: A Ph.D. in applied mathematics, computer science, fluid dynamics, civil engineering, climate modeling, or a closely related field. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using high-performance computing (HPC) systems, MPI, and UNIX/Linux.
• Experience with modern build systems for research software (e.g. cmake, make files).
• Demonstrated proficiency in multi-language software development including Python, modern Fortran, C, and C++.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: parallel programming, machine learning, numerical analysis, and optimization, but specific knowledge of any of these areas is less critical than intellectual curiosity, versatility.
• Experience with modern software tools (regression testing, github or atlassian, Jupyter Notebooks, etc.) and scripting languages.
• Experience with the open-source software paradigm (e.g. contributor to an open source software project)
• Ability to work productively as a member of a team with minimal supervision; Self-starter; demonstrated initiative for continuous learning and development.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in the development of multi-physics scientific codes, including research software engineering practices.

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
COVID Vaccine:

The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory employees, on-site contractors, and on-site subcontractors unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to those working on-site, those teleworking, and all new hires.

Note to Applicants:

Applicants should submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a letter of interest describing how they meet the required and desired qualifications for the position.

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter describing background and relevant experience, a CV, and (C) contact information for three professional references. This appointment is valid for two years with a possible third year extension. Note that US citizenship is not a requirement.

Review of applications will begin on November 30th 2022 and until the position is filled.
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 (paid sick, vacation, 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.
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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
Employment StatusFull Time