Physics-Aware AI​/ML Scientist; Scientist

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

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.

CAI-2 is a dynamic, collaborative group engaged in the entire computational-physics workflow, from developing novel methods to delivering production-grade single- and multi-physics codes. We engage in fundamental and applied research across diverse fields, including radiation transport, fluid dynamics (specifically shock hydrodynamics, compressible and variable density turbulence, turbulent reacting flows, multi-phase-flows and hypersonic flows), metal casting and advanced manufacturing, Earth systems, astrophysics and plasma physics.

Successful candidates will 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. Duties of this job include contributing to innovation in physics-aware AI/ML methods, advancing basic and applied science through rigorous physically-consistent modeling, and producing peer-reviewed publications, internal reports and presentations.

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level a successful candidate will take a larger role in project development and leadership, proposal writing and mentoring.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

Physics Expertise: Experience with physics-informed AI/ML methods, as 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, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across disciplines to answer complex physics and engineering questions.

Communication: Effective written and oral communication skills with diverse collaborators and audiences.

Computing: Excellent scientific programming skills with demonstrated, hands‑on experience (beyond online courses/certifications) using modern ML libraries and tools—e.g., PyTorch and/or JAX—as well as high-level languages such as Python (including Num Py/Sci Py) and/or compiled languages such as C++/Fortran. Experience working with large numerical simulations and/or high-dimensional datasets. Comfort with high-performance computing environments.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:

Leadership: Experience planning, directing, and executing technical projects.

Mentorship: Experience mentoring staff, postdocs and/or students.

Communication: A substantial record of achievement through publications, presentations, and technical products.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post‑doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of…