Modeling and Simulation of Inertial Confinement Fusion Physics Postdoc

What You Will Do

The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) in the X‑Computational Physics (XCP) Division is seeking an outstanding candidate for a postdoctoral position in code development and modeling related to plasma physics and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). This work will involve contributing to the development of one or more physics packages relevant to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) modeling as well as utilizing novel capabilities to simulate ICF implosions.

XCP‑2 supports and develops the xRAGE Radiation‑Hydrodynamics Eulerian Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) code, which is widely used to perform simulations of ICF and High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) experiments. The candidate will assist in the development of plasma physics models in the xRAGE code. Specific models may include charged particle transport (for thermonuclear reaction products), thermal conduction (non‑local and coupling to laser physics and magneto hydrodynamics/MHD), non‑local thermodynamic equilibrium (nLTE) and/or plasma transport.

The position will also involve validation of physics models and their implementation in the xRAGE code as applied to the simulation of ICF and HEDP experiments, as well as performing detailed code comparisons. The successful candidate is expected to work in a team environment with experimentalists and computational scientists, implement models and methods in xRAGE, and publish results.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• A PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or related field
• Solid background in numerical methods and modeling HEDP or related systems
• Proficiency in Fortran, C/C++, or Python
• Strong record of publications commensurate with experience
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship

• Experience with theoretical or computational plasma physics
• Experience in neutral particle transport and nuclear reactions (nuclear engineering)
• Experience in modeling highly‑coupled physics experiments for compressible flows
• Solid background in numerical methods for solving systems of partial differential equations in fluid dynamics or related fields
• Experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation
• Experience with deploying numerical algorithms to future computing architectures
• Experience with code development relevant to computational physics

Education:

A Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computational Science, or a closely related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

Applicants should submit a CV/Resume and cover letter. The cover letter should be composed of a one‑page career narrative followed by a bulleted list of the applicant's relevant experience for each requirement.

Brian Haines (bmhaines)

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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. 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…