Research Prime

PostDoc on Theoretical Modeling & Computation Physics

Organisation Name: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Organisation Type:
City: Los Alamos
State: NM
Country: United States

Job Description:

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution of science on behalf of national security. This is a two-year position available immediately.

The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics of Theoretical division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral appointment in the fields of computational physics. The postdoc researcher is expected to conduct fundamental, applied, or interdisciplinary research towards improving predictive capabilities of model in modeling behavior of high explosives. The successful candidate will pursue model development, implementation, and validation against experimental data. Collaboration with experimental investigators, theoretical and computational chemists, are also desirable.

Your efforts in this position will help us continue to develop our capabilities to further scientific understanding of the physical world to establish a technical foundation for both current, and future national security interests.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A doctoral degree in any of the following fields: science, physics, applied mathematics, chemical engineering, or any related field, completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
  • Excellent verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance.


Education/Experience: A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Computer Science, or related fields, completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Programming experience with languages such as Fortran, matlab, python etc, for scientific applications.
  • Experience in damage and fracture modeling.


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:

Please include in the application a CV, contact information for 3 references, and a detailed cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet minimum qualifications and desired qualifications.

Please contact Xia Ma - xia@lanl.gov, Pamela Bowlan - pambowlan@lanl.gov Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

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 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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.

Employment StatusFull TimeAppointment TypePostdocPostdoc

Posting Date: Aug 08, 2023
Closing Date:
Organisation Website/Careers Page: https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/postdoc-on-theoretical-modeling--computation-physics/15ff231d-10f7-476e-948d-565f176cdb85


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