Machine Learning and Environmental Management Postdoctoral Research

What You Will Do

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions! The Energy and Natural Resources Security Group (EES- 16) in the Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking intellectually curious postdoctoral research associates for openings to work on projects related to energy transition and environmental management. In alignment with the Department of Energy's vision to become a world-leading AI enterprise, our research integrates Machine Learning (ML) to revolutionize environmental management practices and subsurface modeling. You will optimize long-term monitoring strategies and interpret complex environmental data using ML techniques, leveraging historical groundwater monitoring data and spatially integrative geophysical methods. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of both energy sustainability and environmental stewardship. The successful candidate will join the Subsurface Flow and Transport team of EES-16 and collaborate with scientists in the group, other LANL groups, and external industrial and academic partners. You will be expected to publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present your work at conferences.

The term of the appointment is two (2) years, with the option to extend to a third year, depending on performance and funding availability.


What You Need



The successful applicant will have a background in modeling and simulation of subsurface systems with expertise in some of the following: (i) applied machine learning, (ii) multiscale modeling and simulation, (iii) contaminant fate and transport and/or (iv) risk assessment and uncertainty quantification. This position will require motivation to succeed in an independent work environment and the communication skills to interact with a multidisciplinary, integrated team. The successful applicant will be expected to publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present their work at national and international conferences.

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Have been granted one or more degrees from a minority-serving institution.
  • Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research.
  • Excellent written and communication skills, as demonstrated by a record of peer reviewed publications and oral presentations at conferences and meetings.
  • Ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment.

Education: Candidates must have received a Ph.D. within the last five years in a STEM field or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with multiscale modeling of subsurface systems.
  • Experience with advanced machine learning techniques.
  • Experience with containment fate and transport.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Julia

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:

To apply, please submit an online application, including your CV and a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include a short biography (2-3 sentences), research interests, and future career goals. Please address how you meet the minimum job requirements and any desired skills, if applicable. In addition to applying online, applicants need to email their CV and cover letter to Dr. Mohamed Mehana at mzm@lanl.gov. No applicant is expected to have all the desired skills. Anyone who meets the minimum requirements is encouraged to apply.

Outstanding candidates may be eligible for a LANL Director's Fellowship or a Distinguished Fellowships,

Where You Will Work

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory employs about 220 scientists, postdocs, and students, with expertise in various facets of Earth sciences. The successful candidate will join the interdisciplinary Energy and Natural Resources Security Group that works on strategic national and global problems related to energy and environmental security, such as energy production, critical minerals, wildfire management, carbon sequestration, and waste storage. Our research includes active collaborations with industry, universities, and other national laboratories.

Located in the beautiful mountains of northern New Mexico, near Santa Fe, 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.

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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.