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Los Alamos National Security LLC

Sigma-1 Materials Modeling Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Security LLC, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545

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What You Will Do The Materials Assessment and Compatibility Science (MACS) team is seeking postdoctoral candidates to work on computational modeling/simulation for compatibility of different materials at different conditions. Applicants with strong modelling backgrounds in COMSOL or Python based gas‑solid interaction, diffusion modeling will be considered. The Sigma Complex is a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that specializes in providing material, components, and manufacturing science to the Los Alamos experimental programs. The experimental mission spans the US nuclear weapons program, DOD, work with universities, Intelligence Agencies and many other customers. As part of this mission, Sigma Division works with a broad range of materials that span metal alloy, ceramic, and composite materials containing elements from hydrogen to beryllium to uranium, with a strong emphasis on unconventional materials.

Successful applicants will be expected, alongside their mentor, to lead research projects within a small team environment, communicate and deliver results, and identify future directions or applications for their findings. The candidate(s) will work with their mentor and the MACS team, as well as other teams in Sigma division to develop comprehensive materials models with the aim of lifetime and compatibility prediction. You will communicate results through oral and written reports to a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technicians, and technologists. Organization skills and working in a team-based environment are required to achieve these goals.

What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:

Demonstrated experience in COMSOL/Abaqus/Python or similar Multiphysics modeling software.

Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing simulation models for materials and processes.

Contribute to and authors technical papers for publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, as well as deliver conference presentations at technical conferences.

Works within a team to write proposals for R&D funding.

Ability to work successfully in a complex regulatory environment and experimental facility.

Demonstrated experience working in a team environment.

Ability to obtain a Q clearance which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

Desired Qualifications:

Self‑motivated and independent researcher who has demonstrated experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Experience with combination of specific modeling software or code languages and experience with AI/ML, is a plus.

Written and oral communication skills, including 5 years experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Education/Experience:

Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, metallurgical and materials engineering, materials science, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.

Essential Job Functions:

ability to apply torque with hands or arms, good hand eye coordination and fine motor control, ability to lift 25 pounds to a height of 3‑4 feet and load into an enclosed space.

Location:

The position is physically located in - 03‑0066.

Note to Applicants:

For full consideration, your application must include a resume and a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills.

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.

Benefits:

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. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance:

Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. Obtaining such clearance requires US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Depending on the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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, 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1‑505‑664‑6947 option 2 and then option 3.

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