Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Modeling and Simulation for Energy Applications (Scientist 4) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) is seeking candidates for a senior-level research scientist position with a focus on modeling and simulation for energy applications. Application areas of interest include but are not limited to:
Renewable energy and sustainability
Nuclear energy and fusion
Energy infrastructure
Materials for clean energy applications
T-3 is part of LANL's Theoretical Division, and focuses on scientific research and leading-edge capability development in theoretical and computational fluid dynamics and solid mechanics. In particular, the group's technical efforts center on the development of models and algorithms for problems involving multiple scales and multiple physics, and for large-scale simulations in support of climate, clean energy, and national nuclear security applications.
The group includes 40 staff scientists and 15 post-doctoral researchers, and has a total budget of $30M. The group maintains and develops strong modeling and simulation capabilities in fluid and solid mechanics for earth system models including atmosphere, ocean, land and sea ice, biogeochemistry and their coupling, and for weapons systems including reactive compressible turbulent flow, manufacturing, and materials sciences and engineering. The group is supported in large part by the DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research (BER) and Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) programs and by the NNSA Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program. Additional efforts are funded by Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD), non-proliferation, DoD and NASA programs.
The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead a dynamic research program centered on modeling and simulation for energy applications. This includes identifying research opportunities, securing funding for relevant research initiatives, and managing projects from conception to delivery, to ensure that milestones are met, that resources are efficiently utilized, and that quality standards are upheld. The successful candidate will also be expected to plan and execute high-impact research projects focused on developing and/or refining theoretical and computational models to predict and optimize the performance, safety, and efficiency of new and existing energy systems. Other key responsibilities include communicating research results to both technical and non-technical audiences, and providing technical leadership, guidance and mentorship to junior researchers.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in at least one of the energy research areas listed above.
Knowledge of DOE programs and program offices.
Success in proposing, developing, and sustaining research programs.
Experience in effective project/program management, and a record of successfully recruiting, mentoring, and retaining excellent students and post-docs.
Experience in building collaborative relationships across organizations and/or institutions.
Evidence of excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written, technical and non-technical), including the ability to effectively communicate with staff and management across multiple levels and organizations.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 12 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Active DOE Q Clearance or the ability to obtain one in a reasonable timeframe.
A Ph.D. in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field
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.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants
Please contact Hashem Mourad (hmourad@lanl.gov) or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil@lanl.gov) for more details about this position.
To receive full consideration for the position please submit an online application by March 1st, 2025, including a current CV with list of publications and a cover letter that comprehensively addresses the key requirements of the position.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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. 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.
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. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon 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.
*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 Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-A/@Aimages/file) for additional information.
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.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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 Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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 such as 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 applicable federal, state and local 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.