Los Alamos National Laboratory
Astrophysics Postdoctoral Researcher
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545
Overview
Astrophysics Postdoctoral Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (CTA) invites applications for multiple postdoctoral positions in theoretical and Computational astrophysics. The CTA is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary community of over 50 staff, postdocs, and students from across LANL, focused on advancing astrophysics research and its connections to laboratory missions. The Center promotes innovative methods, fosters broad expertise, and provides a supportive environment for early career researchers. What You Will Do
The CTA uses semi-analytical models, high-performance multi-physics simulations, data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence to tackle key problems across astrophysics. Research areas include supernovae and kilonovae, gamma-ray bursts, accretion, stellar evolution, planetary physics, and cosmology. CTA teams collaborate with LANL and external partners to connect theory with observations from missions such as HAWC, NuSTAR, LIGO, LISA, JWST, EHT, and ZTF. The Center also works to translate computational advances in astrophysics to other LANL mission areas, including the Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, the Office of Experimental Sciences, and Global Security. What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements: Education/Experience: Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year. Desired Qualifications: Technical Knowledge: Knowledge and experience in developing, applying, or analyzing numerical simulations to advance the understanding of astrophysics. Expertise in one or more of the following areas: hydrodynamics, radiation transport, reaction networks, atomic/molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, high energy density physics experiments, machine learning or artificial intelligence. Experience with compiled or interpreted programming languages, for example: C, C++, Fortran, Julia, and/or Python. Experience applying data science including statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and large-scale data processing to extract insights from complex scientific datasets from simulation, experiment, or observation. Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences. High-Performance Computing
Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment. This includes familiarity with running, developing, or post-processing simulations and data on large systems or experience in programming for GPUs and multi-core systems with MPI, CUDA, Kokkos, OpenMP, etc. Collaboration
Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers. A strong desire to work in broad interdisciplinary teams that cross LANL programs. Note to Applicants
Inquiries should be sent to CTA_recruitment@lanl.gov. When applying online, please include: a CV (with month/year of PhD); three letters of reference (may be submitted online by applicant or emailed by letter writer to CTA_apply@lanl.gov); and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest in working with the CTA, mentor(s) the candidate is interested in collaborating with, and how they satisfy the requirements for the position. Fellowship Opportunities
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship. Position Details
Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third. Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships. For full consideration for the Metropolis or Director's Fellowship please apply by December 12, 2025. For all other positions apply by January 15, 2026 for full consideration. Application & Additional Information
For general information go to the LANL Postdoc Program and Center For Theoretical Astrophysics websites. Due to federal restrictions, citizens of certain countries are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories. Work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. See the original posting for full details. Benefits
PPO or High Deductible medical insurance Dental and vision insurance Free basic life and disability insurance Paid maternity and parental leave 401(k) with matching Learning opportunities and tuition assistance Flexible schedules and PTO Onsite gyms and wellness programs Relocation packages
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Astrophysics Postdoctoral Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (CTA) invites applications for multiple postdoctoral positions in theoretical and Computational astrophysics. The CTA is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary community of over 50 staff, postdocs, and students from across LANL, focused on advancing astrophysics research and its connections to laboratory missions. The Center promotes innovative methods, fosters broad expertise, and provides a supportive environment for early career researchers. What You Will Do
The CTA uses semi-analytical models, high-performance multi-physics simulations, data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence to tackle key problems across astrophysics. Research areas include supernovae and kilonovae, gamma-ray bursts, accretion, stellar evolution, planetary physics, and cosmology. CTA teams collaborate with LANL and external partners to connect theory with observations from missions such as HAWC, NuSTAR, LIGO, LISA, JWST, EHT, and ZTF. The Center also works to translate computational advances in astrophysics to other LANL mission areas, including the Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, the Office of Experimental Sciences, and Global Security. What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements: Education/Experience: Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year. Desired Qualifications: Technical Knowledge: Knowledge and experience in developing, applying, or analyzing numerical simulations to advance the understanding of astrophysics. Expertise in one or more of the following areas: hydrodynamics, radiation transport, reaction networks, atomic/molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, high energy density physics experiments, machine learning or artificial intelligence. Experience with compiled or interpreted programming languages, for example: C, C++, Fortran, Julia, and/or Python. Experience applying data science including statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and large-scale data processing to extract insights from complex scientific datasets from simulation, experiment, or observation. Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences. High-Performance Computing
Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment. This includes familiarity with running, developing, or post-processing simulations and data on large systems or experience in programming for GPUs and multi-core systems with MPI, CUDA, Kokkos, OpenMP, etc. Collaboration
Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers. A strong desire to work in broad interdisciplinary teams that cross LANL programs. Note to Applicants
Inquiries should be sent to CTA_recruitment@lanl.gov. When applying online, please include: a CV (with month/year of PhD); three letters of reference (may be submitted online by applicant or emailed by letter writer to CTA_apply@lanl.gov); and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest in working with the CTA, mentor(s) the candidate is interested in collaborating with, and how they satisfy the requirements for the position. Fellowship Opportunities
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship. Position Details
Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third. Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships. For full consideration for the Metropolis or Director's Fellowship please apply by December 12, 2025. For all other positions apply by January 15, 2026 for full consideration. Application & Additional Information
For general information go to the LANL Postdoc Program and Center For Theoretical Astrophysics websites. Due to federal restrictions, citizens of certain countries are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories. Work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. See the original posting for full details. Benefits
PPO or High Deductible medical insurance Dental and vision insurance Free basic life and disability insurance Paid maternity and parental leave 401(k) with matching Learning opportunities and tuition assistance Flexible schedules and PTO Onsite gyms and wellness programs Relocation packages
#J-18808-Ljbffr