Plasma Physics Undergraduate Students

Join to apply for the Plasma Physics Undergraduate Students role at Los Alamos National Laboratory

We are looking for candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division provides a unique and engaging environment that fosters multidisciplinary collaborations to support the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research across a wide variety of topics, including fusion science, space plasma science, numerical analysis, computational imaging, optimization, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure (e.g., gas pipelines and electrical grids).

These application 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 candidates to hire as undergraduate students to work within our research teams. This is an educational opportunity for the selected candidates to contribute to cutting-edge scientific research and to learn new skills and areas. This position is open to students who will be actively enrolled in an undergraduate program throughout the appointment.

Summer positions are also open to graduating undergraduates who have been accepted into graduate programs in the Spring of 2026 under a separate posting. Selected students must have and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in their undergraduate coursework. Most students participate for a 10-12 week period over the summer. Selected candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will work closely with one of the scientific teams within T-5.

What You Need

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Enrollment in an Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
• A minimum 2.75 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on undergraduate course work
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects

Education/

Experience:

Current enrollment undergraduate 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:
• Integrated plasma simulation
• Theoretical modeling applied to magnetic fusion
• Inertial confinement fusion
• Astrophysical and space plasmas
• Dense, strongly coupled and quantum plasma
• Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning

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.

Note to Applicants:

• For full consideration the 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 6th, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026 positions please apply by January 30th, 2026.
• Contact t5jobs or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil) for more details about this position
• Salaries range from $22.57/hr to $30.53/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information can be found at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).%20
  
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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.