Los Alamos National Security LLC
Plasma Physics Graduate Students
Los Alamos National Security LLC, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545
What You Will Do
We are seeking candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division offers a multidisciplinary environment that supports the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group conducts research across fusion science, space plasma science, numerical analysis, computational imaging, optimization, environmental sciences, and modeling of critical infrastructure such as gas pipelines and electrical grids. These areas are unified by research in novel algorithms, numerical methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. This opportunity allows selected candidates to contribute to cutting-edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students who will be actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of their appointment. Summer positions are available to graduating undergraduates who have been accepted into graduate programs for Spring 2026. Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. While most students participate in the program for a 10-12 week period over the summer, there are opportunities to participate during the spring and fall semesters or year-round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate closely 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 a 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: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants
For full consideration a package must include:
CV with contact for 2 references
One-page cover letter that highlights your qualifications and research interests. In the letter, clearly identify 1 to 3 areas of interest by number from the topical areas listed above
Applicant reviews will begin on January 6, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026 positions please 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 can be found at: LANL Student Salary Structure 2023.pdf
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of certain countries are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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. 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) (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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to United States citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: This position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 CFR 712. These requirements include ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates can perform the job.
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. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if 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. If an employee has not served the required period, they may apply with the documented approval of their Division Leader. See Policy P701 for eligibility requirements.
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. The Laboratory is also committed to accessibility and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request an accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947 opt. 3.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
If you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage, activate your account by following the on-screen prompts and validation steps.
If you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage, create an account with a username and password.
How to Apply: Log in 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. You must have a LANL jobs account to apply or save your basket.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. This opportunity allows selected candidates to contribute to cutting-edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students who will be actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of their appointment. Summer positions are available to graduating undergraduates who have been accepted into graduate programs for Spring 2026. Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. While most students participate in the program for a 10-12 week period over the summer, there are opportunities to participate during the spring and fall semesters or year-round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate closely 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 a 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: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants
For full consideration a package must include:
CV with contact for 2 references
One-page cover letter that highlights your qualifications and research interests. In the letter, clearly identify 1 to 3 areas of interest by number from the topical areas listed above
Applicant reviews will begin on January 6, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026 positions please 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 can be found at: LANL Student Salary Structure 2023.pdf
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of certain countries are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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. 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) (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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to United States citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: This position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 CFR 712. These requirements include ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates can perform the job.
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. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if 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. If an employee has not served the required period, they may apply with the documented approval of their Division Leader. See Policy P701 for eligibility requirements.
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. The Laboratory is also committed to accessibility and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request an accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947 opt. 3.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
If you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage, activate your account by following the on-screen prompts and validation steps.
If you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage, create an account with a username and password.
How to Apply: Log in 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. You must have a LANL jobs account to apply or save your basket.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr