Plasma Physics Graduate Students

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.

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:

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.

• 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 or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil) 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

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.

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…