Postdoctoral Research Associate - Process Modeling Fusion Fuel Cycle

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our multidisciplinary team working on the Fusion Fuel Cycle. We are specifically looking for candidates with a deep background in chemical engineering, particularly in process modeling and simulation. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply chemical engineering principles and computational tools to tackle the challenges of tritium handling, isotope separation, and gas processing in the fusion energy domain.

You will work closely with engineers, physicists, and chemists to model and optimize systems critical to future fusion reactors. As part of the Advanced Materials and Energy Research team, the successful candidate would have an opportunity to:

• Develop and implement detailed process models of fusion fuel cycle systems (e.g., isotope separation units, gas purification systems, tritium processing plants).
• Use chemical process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or Python to model transport phenomena, chemical reactions, and phase behavior.
• Conduct parametric and sensitivity analyses to assess system performance under various operating conditions.
• Interface with experimental teams to validate simulation results and refine models.
• Contribute to the design of predictive, scalable tools to guide R&D and system integration.
• Present research findings through publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration across fusion science, chemical engineering, and materials science.

C-CDE is an applied technology organization focused on resolving national security-related issues in stockpile manufacturing and support, surveillance, applied and basic energy sciences, threat reduction, and the environment. The group's core approach involves the integrated development and application of technologies in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, and Chemical Engineering. C-CDE engages in areas important to Laboratory missions, including material characterization and development and environmental mitigation.

The highly interdisciplinary nature of these activities requires scientists and engineers who can seamlessly operate across academic disciplines. The successful applicant will work both collaboratively and independently on C-CDE projects.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Deep understanding of mass transfer, separation processes, reactor modeling, and phase equilibria.
• Demonstrated experience with chemical process modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL) and/or scientific programming (MATLAB, Python, Fortran).
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a track record of independent technical contributions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to publish and present technical work.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Prior experience modeling systems relevant to the fusion fuel cycle (e.g., tritium handling, gas separation, hydrogen isotopes).
• Familiarity with process design, plant operations, or engineering economics.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization for large, simulation-generated datasets.
• Knowledge of plasma-material interactions, statistical mechanics, or molecular simulations is a plus but not required.

Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field (e.g., Nuclear, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering with strong chemical engineering applications).

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.

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)

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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements
* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and…