Graduate Student ST 1

What You Will Do

The XCP-6: Plasma Theory and Applications group is seeking graduate student candidates who are interested in exploring and improving modeling methodologies for foams in high-energy-density systems. Traditional modeling approaches have often treated the foam as a homogenous material with a single equation-of-state and opacity, rather than a heterogeneous medium consisting of a combination of foam material and pores of various sizes. More recent developments in two-photon-polymerization have enabled production of lattice-type foams with bulk density on the order of 10-20 mg/cc, and the appropriate modeling approach is even less certain. Such low-density engineered foams are being pursued across a wide variety of applications including proposed inertial fusion energy targets.

This work would focus on improving the modeling of both traditional porous foams and engineered lattice foams using a radiation-hydrodynamics code with adaptive mesh refinement. Previous experimental datasets will be re-examined, and subsequent experiments will be designed as either planar, cylindrical, or spherical systems depending on diagnostic requirements. A particular focus will be post-processing the simulation results to create synthetic diagnostics and helping to set the diagnostic resolution limits that will be needed for these subsequent experiments.


What You Need

Project Description: Work to improve the modeling of both traditional and engineered-lattice foams in the high-energy-density environment.

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Technical Knowledge: You will need a technical background or advanced coursework in one or more of the following areas: experimental diagnostics, hydrodynamics, inertial confinement fusion, high-energy-density physics.
  • Radiation-Hydrodynamics Code: You will need expertise in at least one radiation-hydrodynamics simulation code, preferably with adaptive mesh refinement (e.g. xRAGE, FLASH, etc).
  • Collaboration: Teamwork is essential to the success of our group. 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.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Programing - It would be a plus if you had working knowledge of a scripting language and/or data analysis software (e.g. Matlab, root, python, etc).
  • Modeling - Previous experience modeling inertial confinement fusion and/or high-energy-density physics experiments and analysis/comparison of experimental data is highly desired.

Education:

Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in a science or engineering discipline with an overall GPA of 3.2 (out of 4.0) or higher. Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent).

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:

Interested candidates should reach out to Radha Bahukutumbi at radha@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.

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