Physics-Aware AI​/ML Scientist; Scientist

What You Will Do

The Physics‑Aware AI/ML Team within the Computational Physics and Methods group is looking for innovative researchers to design and implement physically‑consistent, trustworthy AI/ML algorithms that provide solutions to demanding scientific and national‑security problems.

• Actively participate in collaborative projects and research activities combining physics subject matter expertise with knowledge of AI/ML methodologies to advance simulation capabilities for complex physical systems.
• Contribute to innovation in physics‑aware AI/ML methods.
• Advance basic and applied science through rigorous physically‑consistent modeling.
• Produce peer‑reviewed publications, internal reports and presentations.

• All responsibilities of Scientist 2.
• Take a larger role in project development and leadership, proposal writing and mentoring.

• Physics Expertise: Experience with physics‑informed AI/ML methods, evidenced through a strong scientific record of peer‑reviewed publications and presentations, paired with subject‑matter expertise in one or more of the group's physics thrusts.
• AI/ML Applications: Experience with at least one of the following: AI/ML techniques for solving inverse problems; experimental analysis and/or co‑design using state‑of‑the‑art AI/ML techniques, including digital twin development; design of reduced‑order and/or surrogate models; design of multi‑scale AI/ML methods that connect physics across disparate length and time scales.
• Novel Methodology Development: Demonstrated expertise in developing new AI/ML research directions and original methodologies.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across disciplines.
• Communication: Effective written and oral communication skills with diverse collaborators and audiences.
• Computing: Excellent scientific programming skills with hands‑on experience using modern ML libraries (PyTorch and/or JAX), Python (Num Py/Sci Py) and/or compiled languages such as C++/Fortran; experience with large numerical simulations and/or high‑dimensional datasets; comfort with high‑performance computing environments.
• Additional Requirements for Scientist 3: Leadership (experience planning, directing, and executing technical projects);
  Mentorship (experience mentoring staff, postdocs and/or students); A substantial record of achievement through publications, presentations, and technical products.

• Scientist 2:
  Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, 4 years of related experience, typically post‑doctoral research experience or equivalent.
• Scientist 3:
  Master’s degree in a STEM field, 6 years of relevant experience or equivalent.

• PhD and postdoctoral work in a relevant field such as Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Computational Science.
• Experience with UQ and V&V of AI/ML models in physics contexts.
• Experience transitioning research prototypes to production‑ready tools.
• Experience bridging between AI/ML research and domain science communities.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance.

The work is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs. The commitment for this position is 1 year.

Submit a CV, cover letter describing how you satisfy the job requirements, and contact information for three professional references familiar with your work.

Due to federal restrictions, 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 labs and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Located in beautiful…