Postdoctoral Research Associate - Process Modeling for the 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

When applying, candidates must attach a resume, cover letter that addresses how the candidate meets the minimum job requirements, and their most recent transcripts showing evidence of degree conferral.

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.

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…