Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Mathematics & Plasma Physics

What You Will Do

We are looking for candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division provides a unique and engaging environment that fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations to support the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research in novel algorithms and numerical methods for a variety of applications including fusion science, space plasma science, astrophysics, numerical analysis, machine learning, computational imaging, optimization, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure (gas pipelines and electrical grids).

The project will explore the development of particle (Lagrangian) and low-rank mesh-based (Eulerian) approaches to solve the kinetic plasma model equations, while overcoming the curse of dimensionality. The methods developed will be used to simulate high-temperature plasmas for space physics, astrophysics, and laboratory fusion applications. Depending on the interests and skills of the successful candidate, the research may focus on numerical algorithm development, or its application to model plasma phenomena in fusion or space physics, such as magnetic reconnection, plasma shocks and other plasma instabilities.

A background in either applied mathematics or plasma physics is desired and the selected candidate is expected to work within a small team of applied mathematicians and plasma physicists. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible third year extension depending on performance and funding availability.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals, and to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment, and develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers.
  • Experience in developing and/or applying Lagrangian or Eulerian methods to solve partial differential equations.
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, Julia, Fortran and/or MATLAB.


Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering, Computational Science, or a closely related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Expertise in theoretical or computational plasma physics, space physics, and/or astrophysics.
  • Experience with particle-in-cell methods or low-rank tensor decomposition methods.
  • Experience with parallel numerical algorithm development and simulation on modern computer architectures.
  • Experience with code development relevant to computational physics.

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.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .




Note to Applicants:

In addition to applying online, please send a cover letter and CV (including the contact information of three references) to Adam Stanier at stanier@lanl.gov. When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year PhD expected/obtained) and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest and qualifications in this research area.

Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, Mark Kac Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship.
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.

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, 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.