Materials Characterization and Simulation Graduate Research Assistant

What You Will Do

We are seeking a graduate research assistant (GRA) to conduct in-situ X‑ray and neutron diffraction experiments on metallic and ceramic materials at large user facilities. The work involves mapping 3D crystallographic orientation and strain fields, tracking microstructural features including dislocation density, lattice strain, and structural transformations during thermo‑mechanical loading. The GRA will integrate experimental diffraction data with molecular dynamics simulations to validate and interpret measurements.

A significant component of the work involves developing forward models for scattering to generate physically‑consistent synthetic data for training machine learning models. These models will replace traditional iterative analysis algorithms, enabling faster data processing and improved predictions of microstructural evolution. The goal is to enhance constitutive relations that describe defect dynamics at the mesoscale, which will improve microstructure‑sensitive predictions of mechanical property variations in materials.

The position offers flexibility for the GRA to extend these experimental and computational methods to applications relevant to their thesis research.

• Knowledge
  • Diffraction and scattering principles and analysis techniques
  • Computational materials science methods
  • Machine learning applications in materials science
• Skills
  • Design and execute diffraction experiments at user facilities
  • Analyze and interpret complex diffraction data for materials characterization
  • Forward simulations of scattering experiments
  • Integrate experimental measurements with computational models and simulations
  • Apply data analysis and ML tools for data reconstruction and interpretation
  • Prepare and publish research findings in technical reports and peer‑reviewed journals
• Abilities
  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary research teams
  • Communicate technical results to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences
  • Adapt experimental approaches to evolving research needs
  • Manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic research environment
• Education/Experience
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited, degree‑granting graduate level program (or equivalent)
  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Desired Qualifications
  • Expertise in X‑ray and/or neutron diffraction experiment and analysis techniques for materials characterization at synchrotron or neutron user facilities
  • Familiarity with computational materials science methods including molecular dynamics simulations or crystal plasticity modeling
  • Familiarity with machine learning techniques and their application to materials science problems
  • Strong programming and data analysis skills with ability to integrate experimental measurements with computational models
• Travel Requirements
  • The applicant must be available to work onsite during the fall of 2026
• Work Environment
  • Location:
    
    Los Alamos, NM (onsite, with potential hybrid arrangement for a location within 2 hours ground commute)
• Clearance
  • Q clearance required. Position will be cleared to this level and requires U.S. citizenship except in rare circumstances
• Drug Test
  • New‑employment drug test required; positive marijuana test will result in termination of employment
• Citizenship Restrictions
  • Citizens of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities
• 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.

• Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (PPO or High Deductible)
  • Basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual increase
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gym and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)