Nuclear Quantum Dynamics Postdoc Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research associate position focused on developing advanced quantum‑dynamics methods for nuclear quantum effects. Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary, multi‑institutional team (with expertise spanning electronic structure, quantum dynamics, spectroscopies, computer science, and applied mathematics) to:

• develop scalable tensor‑network methods for simulating nuclear quantum dynamics in condensed phase
• advance theoretical spectroscopic techniques by leveraging quantum‑information science
• design high‑performance algorithms to enhance the efficiency and applicability of the developed methods
• demonstrate the impact of NQE in model and realistic functional systems and link theory with experiments to advance understanding of quantum‑driven chemical and energy transduction

We provide unique opportunities for cross‑disciplinary and cross‑institutional collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance.

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related physical sciences, completed within the last five years or to be completed soon.
• Programming experience (Fortran, C/C++, or Python).
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer‑reviewed publication records.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

• Solid background in quantum dynamics.
• Experience in developing quantum or mixed quantum‑classical dynamic methods such as tensor networks, multiple‑configuration TDHF, or Ab initio Multiple Cloning/spawning.
• Experience with electronic structure methods (DFT, semi‑empirical, or post‑HF).
• Experience with reduced‑scaling or massively parallel algorithms.
• Experience with high‑performance computing (HPC) or GPU programming.
• Ability to work creatively and independently, learn, and collaborate with experts in a diverse multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to adapt to new project requirements and be flexible to learn new research areas as needed.

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 the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

• The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third‑year extension based on performance evaluation.
• Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director’s Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
• For more information about the Postdoc Program, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Work Schedule:

N/A

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 maternity and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius)
• 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…