Simulation/Modeling in Code Development and Engineering Analysis Postdoc | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Simulation/Modeling in Code Development and Engineering Analysis Postdoc

What You Will Do

We are interested in hiring an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to put on a trajectory to be a national and international leader in Lagrangian code development and integrated AI/ML algorithm development. The successful candidate will join a team of engineers and scientists working on developing models supporting aerodynamics, plasma physics, and general mulitphysics (including FSI). Commercial and inhouse code will be utilized to support mission relevant tasks and milestones. The ideal candidate will be able to apply a wide range of mathematical and engineering skills to tackle a diverse set of problems.

Exceptional candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Christian Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.
For general information about the Postdoc Program, including salary guidelines, see: http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/index.php.
What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A strong background in one or more of the following technical areas:
    • Applied mathematics (computational methods and code development, AI/ML approaches)
    • Familiarity with commercial engineering tools (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, LS-Dyna, Abaqus, and/or COMSOL)
    • Fluid dynamics
    • Thermal Engineering
  • Strong programming skills and experience with software development. Experience with at least one of the following programming languages Python, C/C++, Matlab.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by strong records of publications in either high impact technical journals or conference proceedings, and presentations at conferences
  • Ability to work as part of a highly interdisciplinary team with minimal supervision but able to consistently document work and provide updates to team leaders locally and nationally.
  • Strong ambition and desire to be a national and international leader and resource in the emerging field of mining/constructions robotics and automation.

Education/Experience: This position requires a Ph.D. in mathematics, mechanical engineering, computer science, nuclear engineering, or a related field. Eligibility is restricted to those within five years of having completed all requirements for their Ph.D. or who will be graduating no later than the spring term of 2025.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with high-order numerical methods for computational fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of commercial engineering codes for fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, and fluid-structure interaction
  • Ability to quickly learn new programming languages.
  • Proficiency with software development
  • Proficiency in using programming software to automate data analysis.
  • Proficiency with Python programming language is preferred.
  • Mentoring and teaching experience
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance.

Location: This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, NM.

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 $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicants:

Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.

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.

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 maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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.

Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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. 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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