What You Will Do

The Materials and Physical Data group (XCP-5) in the Computational Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking 1-2 highly motivated post-doctoral candidates in the area of nuclear data evaluation, with emphasis on uncertainty quantification and application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). A successful applicant will be immersed in all facets of nuclear data at LANL starting from basic-physics measurements of relevant data, the theory used to describe these reactions, measurements mirroring various applications, the uncertainties in all of the above, development of computational/statistical methods to better estimate nuclear data and understand their impact on applications. The successful candidate will work with these communities, both nationally and internationally (through e.g., organizations such as the Cross Section Evaluation Working Group, the OECD-Nuclear Energy Agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency, etc.), to help develop, implement, and validate new nuclear data. There will be additional opportunities to collaborate with members of diverse groups/projects at LANL in applying relevant uncertainty quantification (UQ), optimization techniques, and deep machine learning (ML) methods to probe physics under extreme conditions. A successful applicant will be expected to publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with familiarity in ML and previous experience in the evaluation, measurement, and/or usage of nuclear data.

The Materials and Physical Data group (XCP-5) in the Computational Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is an interdisciplinary group which develops, implements, and validates constitutive models (material strength, damage and failure, etc.), equations of state (EOS), and physical data libraries including opacities and nuclear cross sections for use in large-scale simulation codes; additionally, some group members collaborate in the design and analysis of small-scale and integral validation experiments for material models and physical data. XCP-5 offers an exciting, flexible, scientifically challenging work environment with many opportunities to collaborate with the broader LANL scientific community.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Interest in Nuclear Data Evaluation

Interest in learning and performing nuclear data evaluations with emphasis on uncertainty quantification, and interest in learning about and implementing artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods for nuclear data evaluation and other applications.

Previous Experience

Background in one or more of these fields: physics, nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, nuclear data evaluations, nuclear data experiments, or application of AI/ML to physics data.

Computing Experience

Experience with Python, R, Fortran, C++, or similar computer language(s).

Communication

Strong interpersonal and teaming skills with the willingness to work with various nuclear-data communities at LANL, nationally, and internationally.

Publication and Presentation Record

Demonstrated expertise in relevant topics through peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations.

Education/Experience : Ph.D. in one of the above fields (physics, nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, or application of AI/ML to physics data) is required. The candidate must be within 5 years of completion of Ph.D., or will have completed all Ph. D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

Desired Qualifications:

Specialized Previous Experience with Nuclear Data

Specialized knowledge in any of the following areas: basic-physics measurements of nuclear data, the theory used to describe these reactions, uncertainties present in nuclear data, and/or the development of statistical methods to better estimate nuclear data.

Specialized Previous Experience with AI/ML

Specialized knowledge in using and applying AI/ML to physics data. Experience with statistical methods to quantify uncertainty in datasets or better estimate data is also desired.

Advanced Computing Experience

Experience with high performance computing and Unix/Linux computing environments.

A proficiency and demonstrated experience with modern computing architectures, and/or parallel scientific computing.

Clearance : A candidate with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance is desired, but not required. If eligible*, selected applicants will be subject to a Federal background investigation for access to classified matter. Non-US citizens are eligible for this position. Note: this is a desired, not a required, qualification.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Manual 472.2 for additional information.

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.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Note to Applicants:

To be fully considered for the position, please include a cover letter in which you detail how your experience relates to each of the required and desired skills as applicable. Regular post-doctoral appointments are for two years and are renewable for a third year. Outstanding post-doctoral candidates (with approximately 15 - 20 articles in reputable, peer-reviewed journals) may be eligible for fellowship opportunities at LANL.

For specific inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Denise Neudecker (dneudecker@lanl.gov (ahunter@lanl.gov) ), Dr. Ajeeta Khatiwada (ajeeta@lanl.gov), and Dr. Abigail Hunter (ahunter@lanl.gov).

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. 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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.

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.

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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.