Computational Eco-hydrology Graduate Research Associate

What You Will Do
The Modeling and Observations of Earth Systems group (EES-14) in the Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking summer internship applications from candidates with expertise in ecology and surface and groundwater hydrology (preferably related to dryland systems). Research experience on hydrological feedbacks with vegetation are desirable. This position will focus on using numerical models to better understand vegetation and biocrust interaction under environmental stress. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the current state-of-the-art DOE-sponsored modeling codes such as the Advance Terrestrial Simulator (ATS) model and evaluate model predictions with observations from field or remote sensing.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Research background in one or more of the following: watershed hydrology, ecology, and/or evolutionary biology.
  • Experience in surface and subsurface hydrologic modeling and/or computational geosciences.
  • A history of successful research in collaborative team environments
  • Must be enrolled in 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent). Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Education: Currently enrolled in an M.Sc. program in Hydrology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in developing and/or using models to predict and understand dryland hydrologic interaction
  • Experience in modeling vegetation and biocrust dynamics
  • Experience in using GIS and remote sensing software to process vector and raster files
  • Proficiency in one of the following programming languages: Fortran, C, or C++
  • Experience with Python
  • Experience with using version control tools (e.g., git)
  • The ability to work in a highly collaborative team setting is also a requirement.

Note to Applicants:

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter describing background and relevant experience, a CV, and contact information for three professional references. This appointment is valid during summer 2025. Note that US citizenship is not a requirement.

Review of applications will begin on April 16, 2025

For additional information, please contact Adam Collins (acollins@lanl.gov).

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 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.

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

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