Monte Carlo Computational Scientist/Developer (Scientist 2/3)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Join our world-class Monte Carlo particle transport team! XCP-3 provides the Monte Carlo particle transport capability needed to accurately predict the interaction of radiation with matter. Our predictive capability is the world's foremost predictive tool for nuclear criticality safety simulations and plays a central role in many fields including nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety.

We develop the widely used MCNP® Monte Carlo particle transport software (https://mcnp.lanl.gov) and are developing new capabilities with the C++ based Monte Carlo Application Toolkit (MCATK). Our work supports a variety of Laboratory missions including stockpile stewardship, nonproliferation, threat reduction, and nuclear energy. We deliver technology, methods, production quality codes, and training to sponsors, primarily U.S. federal agencies, through research, development, and maintenance of high-quality software and documentation.

Scientist 2 $101,700 - $168,200

As a Scientist 2, you will perform research and development to improve Monte Carlo particle transport simulation in areas that support the national-security programs and mission of the Laboratory. The successful candidate will develop and maintain the group's production Monte Carlo particle transport software, which include the Fortran based MCNP® (Monte Carlo N-Particle) software and C++ based Monte Carlo Application Toolkit (MCATK).

As part of the team, you will...

Contribute to both individual and team efforts. We encourage mentoring for new staff to build skills quickly. We work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Demonstrate a commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative.

Scientist 3 $122,300 - $206,300

In addition to what was outlined at the Scientist 2 level, at this level you will be expected to be more self-guided and motivated in contributing to: development of Monte Carlo particle transport methods, development of our software products, and the improvement of our software development processes. Additionally, you will be expected to be more self-guided in seeking out new opportunities and novel applications of our software to the areas of stockpile stewardship, nonproliferation, criticality safety, radiation protection, threat reduction, nuclear energy, and basic science. In addition, you will be expected to mentor junior staff as well as students and postdocs.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge

Professional knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: Monte Carlo particle transport methods, application of Monte Carlo particle transport software, software engineering as applied to production scientific simulation software, experience in developing software for high performance computing.

Communication, Publication & Presentations

Advanced experience in technical writing including effective written and verbal communications skills with individuals, committees, and presentations across a wide variety of audiences. Demonstrated scientific productivity as evidenced by reports, publications, and presentations. You will be expected to publish your work in scientific journals, present your work at scientific conferences, and communicate your work to peers within the laboratory.

Programming

Demonstrated proficiency in a programming language such as Fortran and C++. Experience with Python would be a bonus.

Collaboration

Teamwork is essential to the success of our group. As such you will need to have demonstrated the ability to function effectively in a team environment with a willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments. This includes exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Programming

At the higher level the candidate should have experience in software engineering practices as well as experience in programming methodologies for high performance computing including MPI, OpenMP, or CUDA.

Communication, Publication & Presentations

At the Scientist 3 level you will be expected to present work done by yourself and the team to LANL and federal managers.

Mentorship

At this level you must be willing to share your knowledge and develop the skills of more junior scientists through mentorship.

Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which requires US citizenship.

Education/Experience at Scientist 2:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference may be given for a PhD or MS in physics, engineering or applied mathematics, or a related field.

Education/Experience at Scientist 3:

This position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference may be given for a PhD in physics, engineering or applied mathematics or a related field.

Desired Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in physics, engineering, applied mathematics or a closely related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

• A record of achievement in Monte Carlo radiation transport (theory, simulation, code development).

• Experience with computational parallelism (MPI, OpenMP, C++ Threads, Kokkos, CUDA, etc. ).

• Experience in modern software development techniques.

• Experience with GPU programming.

• An active Q clearance would be a bonus.

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

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

No applicant is expected to have all the desired qualifications. If you meet the minimum requirements of the job you are encouraged to apply. For full consideration please submit a CV, and a comprehensive cover letter describing your qualifications and how they meet the required and any desired qualifications for the position.
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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

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.