Graduate Research Assistant in Computational Materials and Nuclear Science Research

What You Will Do

Materials Science in Radiation and Dynamics Extremes Group (MST-8) in the Materials Science and Technology Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a candidate for their Graduate Research Assistant Program in computational materials and nuclear science research. The positions are in support of several research projects that address multi-scale problems relating to nuclear fuel systems, including oxide, metallic, and other non-oxide ceramics fuels as well as steel, zirconium, and silicon carbide cladding, as well as their performance in reactor systems.

Depending on their expertise, the candidate will contribute to current work from the above topics, or on a broad range of research projects including the simulation of nuclear fuels and advanced reactor concepts from a materials standpoint.

The ideal candidate will be pursuing one of the above topics for their own research at their university.

For general information to the Student Program go to https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/graduate/index.php

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Fuel performance model development using lower-length scale informed data to build mechanistic and predictive models for nuclear fuel
  • Mesoscale model development related to fission gas behavior in fuel, sintering of ceramics and fuel mechanics
  • Density functional theory studies of fundamental defect properties in metallic alloys and ceramics
  • Thermodynamic assessment of complex environments
  • Fuel and reactor analysis in context of fuel recycling and reprocessing
  • Development of high-performance scientific software

Education/Experience: Enrolled in a graduate program in materials science, nuclear engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with the MOOSE framework and associated codes (e.g. BISON, MARMOT, Griffin)
  • Familiarity with multiple scales of simulating materials (e.g. FEA, phase-field, density functional theory, molecular dynamics)
  • Experience with writing code and implementing algorithms into high performance parallel codes
  • Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in computational materials science at the engineering or microscale levels
  • Understanding of fundamental defect properties in materials
  • Demonstrated ability to create, perform, and analyze simulations in a finite element or phase-field code
  • Demonstrated ability to create and implement models to address complex behavior of materials
  • Experience in running high performance simulation tools for modeling advanced material systems
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing

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:

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.

  • The cover letter should address the relevant job requirements and desired skills of this position, with specific examples from your academic and research experience. Expected degree completion dates and relevant coursework should also be included.
  • Evaluation of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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. 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 opt. 3.

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