What you will do

The Computational Physics and Methods (CCS-2) and Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (T-2) groups at Los Alamos National Laboratory invite applicants for multiple postdoctoral positions in planet formation. Successful candidates will be expected to perform outstanding research into the formation of giant planets both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team of computational physicists, planetary astrophysicists, and quantum chemists. The sponsors of the postdoctoral associate are experts in computational astrophysics and the physics of planet formation.

Multiple research opportunities exist for qualified candidates: (1) contribute to the development of a novel numerical method for planet formation calculations combining hydrodynamics, dust evolution, and radiation transport on a performance-portable block-structured adaptive mesh refinement framework (2) use novel high-fidelity numerical methods to develop first-principles models of planet formation from the earliest stages of dust growth in disks to the final stages of giant planet growth and migration (3) analyze simulation output in the context of contemporary observations of protoplanetary systems. The deliverables of this research will primarily be contributions to our internal software stack and peer-reviewed publications. Candidates’ unique backgrounds will contribute to defining their role in this project.

Outstanding candidates may be nominated for Director’s Fellowships or Metropolis Distinguished Fellowships (US citizens only) with a deadline of December 15.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Programming experience, preferably in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with numerical methods for hydrodynamics, radiation transport, and/or multiphysics.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer reviewed publication record.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desired Skills:

• Expertise in the physics of protoplanetary systems.
• Experience with algorithm design for computational physics.
• Experience with simulation software development.
• Experience with GPU programming (especially Kokkos).
• Experience with high performance computing.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Education:

A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or related fields, completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Contact:           Dr. Ben Ryan (brryan@lanl.gov ) 

Dr. Hui Li (hli@lanl.gov )

For more information on Postdoc program at LANL, please refer to

https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/postdoctoral-research-associates-in-...

Additional Details:

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.

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. For general program information, refer to the Postdoc Program web page https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Equal Opportunity:

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 regards 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Where you will work:

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.