What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate in High Energy Density Physics position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
The Plasma Theory & Applications group in the Computational Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to design high-energy-density physics experiments that directly address fundamental physics questions related to the double shell inertial confinement fusion (ICF) platform. The postdoctoral research associate will utilize radiation-hydrodynamics simulations and related computational tools to design targets that will be experimentally fielded at laser facilities (e.g., the OMEGA laser facility and the National Ignition Facility). The work will involve regular interactions with computational experts as well as experimentalists and target fabrication specialists. Additionally, the postdoctoral research associate will contribute towards the generation of a large dataset consisting of ICF-relevant simulations for machine learning purposes and will engage with researchers across other divisions and disciplines at LANL.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Desired Qualifications:
Work Location: The work will be performed at LANL's Ann Arbor, Michigan duty station, providing a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of high energy density physics research while strengthening LANL's collaborations with the University of Michigan. Periodic trips to Los Alamos to connect with both the broader double shell team and management are expected.
Note to Applicants:
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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Los Alamos National Laboratory's Michigan Strategic Partnership and Accelerated Research Collaboration (SPARC) duty station provides both a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security and an environment for broader engagement with the University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students. Our generous benefits package includes:
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.
No Clearance: 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.
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.
The Plasma Theory & Applications group in the Computational Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to design high-energy-density physics experiments that directly address fundamental physics questions related to the double shell inertial confinement fusion (ICF) platform. The postdoctoral research associate will utilize radiation-hydrodynamics simulations and related computational tools to design targets that will be experimentally fielded at laser facilities (e.g., the OMEGA laser facility and the National Ignition Facility). The work will involve regular interactions with computational experts as well as experimentalists and target fabrication specialists. Additionally, the postdoctoral research associate will contribute towards the generation of a large dataset consisting of ICF-relevant simulations for machine learning purposes and will engage with researchers across other divisions and disciplines at LANL.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Strong background in computational physics and numerical modeling
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C , or Fortran
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with radiation-hydrodynamics codes (e.g., HYDRA, xRAGE, FLASH, or similar)
- Knowledge of inertial confinement fusion and high energy density physics
- Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments
- Experience with data analysis and visualization tools
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating research excellence
Work Location: The work will be performed at LANL's Ann Arbor, Michigan duty station, providing a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of high energy density physics research while strengthening LANL's collaborations with the University of Michigan. Periodic trips to Los Alamos to connect with both the broader double shell team and management are expected.
Note to Applicants:
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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Los Alamos National Laboratory's Michigan Strategic Partnership and Accelerated Research Collaboration (SPARC) duty station provides both a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security and an environment for broader engagement with the University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students. 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)
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.
No Clearance: 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.
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.