Plasma Physics Graduate Students

Overview

We are seeking candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research across topics including fusion science, space plasma science, numerical analysis, computational imaging, optimization, environmental sciences, and modeling of critical infrastructure. These areas are unified by research in novel algorithms, numerical methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. Selected candidates will contribute to cutting-edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of the appointment. Summer positions are available to graduating undergraduates admitted to graduate programs for Spring 2026.

Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. Most participants join for a 10-12 week summer period, with opportunities to participate during spring and fall semesters or year-round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate with one of the scientific teams within T-5.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Enrollment in a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
• A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate coursework
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects

Education/

Experience:

Current enrollment in a graduate degree in applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and how to perform analytical calculations
• Experience in one or more of the following topical areas:
• Integrated plasma simulation
• Theoretical modeling applied to magnetic fusion
• Inertial confinement fusion
• Astrophysical and space plasmas
• Dense, strongly coupled and quantum plasma
• Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning

Work Location:

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Located in northern New Mexico, LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our 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) with employer matching
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and paid time off
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Relocation assistance outside a 50 mile radius

Note:

This position is subject to various DOE/NNSA requirements and may include drug testing and background checks.

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires favorable decision by NNSA. Foreign nationals may be subject to similar requirements under DOE orders. No security clearance is required for this position.

HRP:
This position is subject to the DOE Human Reliability Program requirements. New-Employment Drug Test:
The laboratory requires a drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy including random testing. See DOE orders for details.

Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Instructions to activate or create a LANL Jobs account and the application process can be found below. If you encounter technical issues, please email applyhelp for assistance.

Final date to receive applicationss and contact details:

• Applicants reviews begin January 6, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026, apply by January 30, 2026.
• Contact t5jobs or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil) for more details about this position.
• Salaries range from $36.52/hr to $42.36/hr…