Physical Sciences Post-Baccalaureate (Postbac) Student

What You Will Do


Join our world-class team! Now is your chance to make a difference in supporting our national security mission. You will perform high impact research at one of the world's most prestigious and innovative multidisciplinary research institutions. The Integrated Design and Assessment (XTD-IDA) group in the X Theoretical Design (XTD) division is seeking motivated candidates for a Post-Baccalaureate Student appointment.

A Postbac internship provides an opportunity for mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development through a formalized work plan complementing the students' chosen area of study. During this internship, you will be given one or more of the following tasks:
  • Run design simulations of inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions
  • Develop python code for execution and analysis of simulations
  • Analysis of simulation results and comparison with data

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for consideration and have earned the degree within the past 3 years, but have not been accepted and enrolled in a graduate program.
  • Appointments are for a maximum of two years and students may work in a casual, part-time, or full-time status.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
  • Experience working effectively as part of a team with a willingness to assist and support other team members as needed; and also have the ability to work independently.
  • Proficient in the use of standard office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis preferably using python
  • Exposure to and interest in plasma physics
  • Exposure to and interest in inertial confinement fusion;
  • Undergraduate degree in a physical science is preferred.

Education: Awarded a bachelor's degree in a STEM related field from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 within the last three years and have not yet been accepted and enrolled in a graduate program.

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:

When applying, candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and their most recent transcripts.

Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, and transcripts) will not be considered for employment. Cover letters are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most noteworthy achievements and accomplishments. Your cover letter should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.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.
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 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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.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.