Astrophysics Postdoctoral Researcher

What You Will Do

Postdocs in the CTA use semi-analytical models, high-performance multi-physics simulations, data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence to tackle key problems across astrophysics. Research areas include supernovae and kilonovae, gamma-ray bursts, accretion, stellar evolution, planetary physics, and cosmology. CTA teams collaborate with LANL and external partners to connect theory with observations from missions such as HAWC, NuSTAR, LIGO, LISA, JWST, EHT, and ZTF.

The Center also works to translate computational advances in astrophysics to other LANL mission areas, including the Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, the Office of Experimental Sciences, and Global Security.

What You Need

Minimum

Job Requirements:

Education/

Experience:

Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year.

Desired

Qualifications:

Technical Knowledge:

• Knowledge and experience in developing, applying, or analyzing numerical simulations to advance the understanding of astrophysics.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: hydrodynamics, radiation transport, reaction networks, atomic/molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, high energy density physics experiments, machine learning or artificial intelligence.
• Experience with compiled or interpreted programming languages, for example: C, C++, Fortran, Julia, and/or Python.
• Experience applying data science including statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and large-scale data processing to extract insights from complex scientific datasets from simulation, experiment, or observation.

• simulation, experiment, or observation.

Technical Communication:

Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences.

High-Performance Computing:

Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment. This includes familiarity with running, developing, or post-processing simulations and data on large systems or experience in programing for GPU's and multi-core systems with MPI, CUDA, Kokkos, OpenMP, etc

Collaboration:

Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers. A strong desire to work in broad interdisciplinary teams that cross LANL programs.

Note to Applicants:

Inquiries should be sent to . When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year of PhD); three letters of reference (may be submitted online by applicant or emailed by letter writer to ); and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest in working with the CTA, mentor(s) the candidate is interested in collaborating with, and how they satisfy the requirements for the position.

Fellowship Opportunities:
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, or Nicholas

C. Metropolis Fellowship.

Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third.

Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.

For full consideration for the Metropolis or Director's Fellowship please apply by December 12, 2025. For all other positions apply by January 15, 2026 for full consideration.

For general information go to the websites for the Postdoc Program (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) or the Center For Theoretical Astrophysics ()

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:

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.

Where You Will Work

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…