Los Alamos National Laboratory
Plasma Physics Graduate Students
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545
Overview
We are seeking candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research across topics including fusion science, space plasma science, numerical analysis, computational imaging, optimization, environmental sciences, and modeling of critical infrastructure. These areas are unified by research in novel algorithms, numerical methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
What You Will Do The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. Selected candidates will contribute to cutting-edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of the appointment. Summer positions are available to graduating undergraduates admitted to graduate programs for Spring 2026. Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. Most participants join for a 10-12 week summer period, with opportunities to participate during spring and fall semesters or year-round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate with one of the scientific teams within T-5.
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:
Enrollment in a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate coursework
Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects
Education/Experience: Current enrollment in a graduate degree in applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field.
Desired Qualifications:
Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and how to perform analytical calculations
Experience in one or more of the following topical areas:
Integrated plasma simulation
Theoretical modeling applied to magnetic fusion
Inertial confinement fusion
Astrophysical and space plasmas
Dense, strongly coupled and quantum plasma
Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
Work Environment Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Where You Will Work Located in northern New Mexico, LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our 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) with employer matching
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and paid time off
Onsite gyms and wellness programs
Relocation assistance outside a 50 mile radius
Note: This position is subject to various DOE/NNSA requirements and may include drug testing and background checks.
Additional Details Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires favorable decision by NNSA. Foreign nationals may be subject to similar requirements under DOE orders. No security clearance is required for this position.
HRP: This position is subject to the DOE Human Reliability Program requirements. New-Employment Drug Test: The laboratory requires a drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy including random testing. See DOE orders for details.
Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
How to Apply Instructions to activate or create a LANL Jobs account and the application process can be found below. If you encounter technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Application deadlines and contact details:
Applicants reviews begin January 6, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026, apply by January 30, 2026.
Contact t5jobs@lanl.gov or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil@lanl.gov) for more details about this position.
Salaries range from $36.52/hr to $42.36/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information is available in LANL’s Student Salary Structure document.
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Seniorities and Employment Type
Seniority level: Not Applicable
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Education and Training
Related Opportunities
Nuclear Weapons Scientist (Scientist 2/3)
Quantum and Nanomaterials Scientist (Scientist 2/3)
Graduate Interns in Metasurfaces and Quantum Nanophotonics
Acoustics in Enhanced Geothermal Systems Graduate Research Assistant
Process Modeler Graduate Research Associate
Plasma Astrophysics Undergraduate Student
Graduate Student: Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics
Acoustic Signal Processing Machine Learning Graduate Student
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
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What You Will Do The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. Selected candidates will contribute to cutting-edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of the appointment. Summer positions are available to graduating undergraduates admitted to graduate programs for Spring 2026. Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. Most participants join for a 10-12 week summer period, with opportunities to participate during spring and fall semesters or year-round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate with one of the scientific teams within T-5.
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:
Enrollment in a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate coursework
Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects
Education/Experience: Current enrollment in a graduate degree in applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field.
Desired Qualifications:
Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and how to perform analytical calculations
Experience in one or more of the following topical areas:
Integrated plasma simulation
Theoretical modeling applied to magnetic fusion
Inertial confinement fusion
Astrophysical and space plasmas
Dense, strongly coupled and quantum plasma
Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
Work Environment Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Where You Will Work Located in northern New Mexico, LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our 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) with employer matching
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and paid time off
Onsite gyms and wellness programs
Relocation assistance outside a 50 mile radius
Note: This position is subject to various DOE/NNSA requirements and may include drug testing and background checks.
Additional Details Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires favorable decision by NNSA. Foreign nationals may be subject to similar requirements under DOE orders. No security clearance is required for this position.
HRP: This position is subject to the DOE Human Reliability Program requirements. New-Employment Drug Test: The laboratory requires a drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy including random testing. See DOE orders for details.
Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
How to Apply Instructions to activate or create a LANL Jobs account and the application process can be found below. If you encounter technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Application deadlines and contact details:
Applicants reviews begin January 6, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026, apply by January 30, 2026.
Contact t5jobs@lanl.gov or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil@lanl.gov) for more details about this position.
Salaries range from $36.52/hr to $42.36/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information is available in LANL’s Student Salary Structure document.
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Seniorities and Employment Type
Seniority level: Not Applicable
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Education and Training
Related Opportunities
Nuclear Weapons Scientist (Scientist 2/3)
Quantum and Nanomaterials Scientist (Scientist 2/3)
Graduate Interns in Metasurfaces and Quantum Nanophotonics
Acoustics in Enhanced Geothermal Systems Graduate Research Assistant
Process Modeler Graduate Research Associate
Plasma Astrophysics Undergraduate Student
Graduate Student: Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics
Acoustic Signal Processing Machine Learning Graduate Student
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr