Sigma-1 Materials Modeling Post-Doctoral Research Associate

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.

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.

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…