Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification Post Masters Student

What You Will Do

Are you ready to begin a career in verification, validation, uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) and machine learning? If so, we encourage you to learn more about our Postdoctoral Research Associate openings in the Computational Physics: Verification & Analysis group (XCP-8) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). We are looking for several highly motivated post-master candidates in the areas of planetary science and verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ). As a valued member of our team, you will be involved in computational modeling of micrometeorite bombardments and verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification of computational physics models. Your work will contribute to the laboratory’s mission to solve national security challenges and will be applicable to problems in planetary science and crater formation. You will attend and present your work at relevant conferences and meetings (as COVID allows).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Numerical Methods

You will need experience with numerical modeling, development of physics models, and/or understanding of relevant physics and mathematics.

Research Expertise

You will need to have conducted research in one or more of the following areas: simulation, validation, uncertainty quantification, optimization, shock physics, or a closely related focus area.

Programming

For this role you will need to demonstrate proficiency in at least one object-oriented programming language.

Journals/Conferences

You will need a to show that you have the ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings, communicate research to an interdisciplinary audience and work on an interdisciplinary team

Education/Experience : Master’s degreein mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, statistics, machine learning, or a closely related discipline. The candidate must be within 3years of completion of master’s degreeat time of being proposed for review by the committee, or will have completed all requirements by commencement of the appointment . Additionally, the candidate should not be accepted into/enrolled in another graduate program at time of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:

● MS or MA in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Applied Mathematics

● Q-clearance or ability to obtain a Q-clearance (which generally requires U.S. citizenship and no illegal drug use within the past 12 months)

● Experience with Fortran and Python

● Experience in hydrocode modeling

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Enthusiasm for learning

● Record of published research/technical reports

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

COVID Vaccine :

The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory students working on-site and students coming on-site, as well as any students coming on-site for any reason; unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law.

Note to Applicants:

To be considered for the position, applicants should submit a CV/resume and a detailed cover letter addressing how their experience relates to each of the required and desired skills as applicable. Regular post-master appointments are for two years and are renewable for a third year. For specific inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Wendy K. Caldwell ([email protected]).

Where You Will Work

XCP-8 is an interdisciplinary group which specializes in VVUQ of complex numerical codes coupled by diverse physics models (fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, solid mechanics, material strength and damage, equation of state, reactive flow, high-energy-density physics, instabilities and turbulence, and radiation transport). Research in XCP-8 is cross-cutting and interacts closely with code and physics model developers, experimentalists, and simulation end-users across a broad set of physics. XCP-8 offers an exciting, flexible, scientifically challenging work environment with many opportunities to collaborate with the broader LANL scientific community.

Learn more about XCP-8 at https://www.lanl.gov/org/padwp/adx/computational-physics/xcp-8-verification-analysis/index.php

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Additional Details

Directive 206.2-Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance:Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements

• for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

For general program information refer to the StudentPrograms web page.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to

or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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If you experience any technical issues, please email [email protected] for assistance.

Employment Status

Appointment Type

GRA

GRA

Contact Details
Contact Name Greenhall, Ashley Nelsen
Email [email protected]
Work Telephone
Vacancy Name: IRC98795
Organization Name XCP-8/Verification And Analysis
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
Req ID: IRC98795
Category: Student - Post Master