Undergraduate student

What You Will Do

The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) of the Theoretical Division seeks outstanding candidates for several undergraduate research assistant positions. Each successful candidate will conduct research in one or more of the group’s active research areas outlined below. The group conducts research in theoretical and computational mechanics including modeling and simulation of fluids and deforming solids over multiple length and time scales.

The portfolio emphasizes coupling advanced models and numerical methods for materials dynamics at all velocities and coupled physical processes, including large solid deformation, multiphase flows, chemical reactions, phase change, heat and mass transfer, and combustion. This multi‑disciplinary group works with diverse engineering, physics, and applied mathematics fields. It serves customers such as the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nuclear Weapons Program, other Department of Energy offices, the Department of Defense, private industry, and encourages collaborations with academia.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Enrollment in a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum 3.2 GPA on undergraduate coursework.
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment.
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects.

Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or a related field.

• Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and perform analytical calculations.
• Research experience in theoretical modeling and numerical computation of fluid dynamics, solid deformations, or related physics field.

The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

For full consideration, a package must include a CV.

• Applicant reviews will begin on January 3rd, 2026.
• The initial appointment is for 3 months, with possible extensions of up to 3–4 years depending on progress and funding.
• If you have any questions, please contact minw or jwaters.
• 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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Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not lawful permanent residents, are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including 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.

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 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).

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy including random drug testing. Although New…