• Computational Physics Credibility Post-Masters Student

    Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, NM 87544

    Job #2679278977

  • What You Will Do

    XCP-8 is an interdisciplinary group which specializes in VVUQ of complex numerical codes coupled by diverse physics models (fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, solid mechanics, material strength and damage, equation of state, reactive flow, high-energy-density physics, instabilities and turbulence, and radiation transport). Research in XCP-8 is cross-cutting and interacts closely with code and physics model developers, experimentalists, and simulation end-users across a broad set of physics. XCP-8 offers an exciting, flexible, scientifically challenging work environment with many opportunities to collaborate with the broader LANL scientific community.

    Are you ready to begin a career in verification, validation, uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) and machine learning? If so, we encourage you to learn more about our student openings in the Computational Physics: Verification & Analysis group (XCP-8) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). We are looking for several highly motivated undergraduate and graduate-level candidates in the areas of verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) and machine learning (ML) for computational physics. As a valued member of our team, your work will contribute to the laboratory's mission to solve national security challenges. You will be involved in Multiphysics computational modeling and verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification of computational physics models. We are interested in both undergraduate and graduate student levels and have both summer and year-long positions available.

    What You Need

    Minimum Job Requirements:

    Computational physics: You will need experience one or more of the following areas: numerical modeling, development of physics-based models, or understanding of relevant physics and mathematics. Of particular interest is experience with equations of state for solids and gasses, material strength and damage models, turbulence models, and high explosive physics.

    Research Expertise: You will need to have conducted research in one or more of the following data science and/or computational physics areas: fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, materials, equation of state, high explosives, high-energy-density physics, radiation transport, validation, uncertainty quantification, optimization, machine learning, or a closely related focus area.

    Programming: For this role you will need programming skills in at least one of the following: Fortran, C++ and/or Python. Alternately experience programming in Matlab or R may be substituted.

    Teamwork and Communication: You will need to show that you are a team player and can work in scientific team environments. You should also be able to ably communicate scientific research to peers. Examples include conference presentations, research in team environments, and/or journal publications.

    Education/Experience: Master's degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, statistics, machine learning, or a closely related discipline. The candidate must be within 3 years of completion of bachelor's degree at time of being proposed for review by the committee, or will have completed all requirements by commencement of the appointment. Additionally, the candidate should not be accepted into/enrolled in another graduate program at time of appointment.

    Desired Qualifications:

    - Software development in Fortran and Python

    - Experience in hydrocode modeling

    - Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    - Enthusiasm for learning

    - Record of published research/technical reports

    Note to Applicants: To be considered for the position, applicants should submit a CV/resume and a detailed cover letter addressing how their experience relates to each of the required and desired skills as applicable. We are interested in both undergraduate and graduate student levels and have both summer and year-long positions available. Summer student positions are also available for 11 weeks but the exact duration is flexible to accommodate academic schedules. For specific inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Brandon M. Wilson (~~~).

    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: ~~~ .

    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 or preference, 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 ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.

    Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

    Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

    • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

    • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

    • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

    Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

    • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

    • From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

    How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

    • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

    • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

    If you experience any technical issues, please email ~~~ for assistance.