A Research Associate typically has more experience than a Research Assistant. Responsibilities can include the planning and design of research projects, conducting experiments, analyzing data, contributing to research publications or grant proposals, and collaborating with other researchers. Works in a variety of fields within science or the social sciences, in programs based at a university or research institution, or works on government or industry sponsored research projects. Conducts field or library research or recruits participants for a study; may also assist with legal research. These roles are often held by people with advanced degrees in their field of study with several years of experience in research or academia.
What You Will Do The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) of the Theoretical Division seeks outstanding candidates for a Postdoctoral research associate position in computational mechanics and solid mechanics. The successful candidate will conduct research spanning computational solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, geomechanics, and the development of related numerical methods and algorithms. The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) conducts research in theoretical and computational continuum dynamics including modeling and simulation of fluids and deforming solids over multiple length and time scales. The group's portfolio of research projects places an emphasis on coupling advanced models and numerical methods for materials dynamics at all velocities and with coupled physical processes, including large solid deformation, multiphase flows, chemical reactions, phase change, heat and mass transfer, and combustion. This is a multi-disciplinary group with experience in diverse fields of engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. Our customers include the National Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Weapons Program, other Department of Energy offices, the Department of Defense, and private industry. Collaborations with academia are strongly encouraged.
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:
Doctoral Degree in Computational Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or Applied Mathematics A minimum 3.7 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate course work Ability to work within a collaborative team environment Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects
Desired Qualifications:
Extensive experience in programming finite element method (FEM) or material point method (MPM) codes; Research experience in theoretical modeling and numerical computation of solid dynamics, or fluid dynamics, or a related field of physics.
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. Note to
Applicants:
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. For full consideration a package must include CV. Applicant reviews will begin on Sep 30, 2026. The initial appointment is for 2 years, with possible extensions of up to 3 years depending on progress and funding. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Min Wang via minw@lanl.gov . Full salary information can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/_assets/docs/Student%20Salary%20Structure%202023.pdf 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 . 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.
No Clearance:
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.
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947. Instructions on How to Activate/Create a
LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account: Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage. Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system. Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket.
Important:
Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated. Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account: Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account. From here, you will establish an account with username and password. How to
Apply:
Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details. Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later.
Tip:
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