Applied Scientist - Thermodynamics and Equation of State (Scientist 1/2)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 1 or 2 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 Materials and Physical Data group (XCP-5) in the Computational Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is an interdisciplinary group which develops, implements, and validates constitutive models (material strength, damage and failure, etc.), equations of state (EOS), and physical data libraries including opacities and nuclear cross sections for use in large-scale simulation codes; additionally, some group members collaborate in the design and analysis of small-scale and integral validation experiments for material models and physical data. XCP-5 offers an exciting, flexible, scientifically challenging work environment with many opportunities to collaborate with the broader LANL scientific community. We are currently seeking highly motivated candidates to join our Equation of State (EOS) Team.

Scientist 1 $92,300 - $151,000
XCP-5 is seeking highly motivated early- to mid-career candidates to develop EOS tables and related tools for optimization and uncertainty quantification. EOS tables quantify the relationship between a material's various thermodynamic/material properties (i.e., pressure, temperature, internal energy, etc.), and are used in a wide variety of codes at LANL that use these tables to inform how a material responds to strong heating or compression. A successful candidate will be expected to work unsupervised and collaboratively with fellow engineers, and scientists. Additionally, a successful candidate will be expected to work with scientist-customers and other teams that are using EOS tables to study and explore material behavior. This position is particularly focused on the generation of EOS tables for a wide range of materials, in addition to the development, maintenance, and modernization of the computational tools used to create, optimize, and quantify uncertainty in EOS data.

Scientist 2 $101,700 - $168,200
In addition to what was outlined at the Scientist 1 level, at this level you will be expected to be more self-guided and motivated in contributing to the tasks outlined above. You will be expected to have a more in-depth background in thermodynamics and the formulation of EOS tables, along with additional experience integrating and working within a team and interfacing with a user community.
Priority consideration will be given to candidates with previous experience in the creation or usage thermodynamic data.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge
Demonstrated scientific achievement in one or more of the following related fields: scientific computing, thermodynamics, and/or material science and engineering.

Programming Experience
Experience with compiled (e.g., C , fortran) and/or scripting (e.g., Python) computer language(s).

Computing Experience
Experience with modern software development processes and tools, high performance computing (HPC), numerical methods, algorithms, and user support.

Collaboration
Demonstrated strong interpersonal and teaming skills, the ability to function effectively in a team environment, and a willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments. This includes exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors.

Communication
Strong written and verbal communication skills as showcased by publications or presentations.
Strong interpersonal and teaming skills, along with the ability to work independently when needed.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Advanced Technical Knowledge
Specific expertise in equation of state, modeling materials under extreme conditions, and/or thermodynamics.

Statistical Methods
Knowledge of statistical methods such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and/ or Bayesian analysis.

Uncertainty Quantification
Experience in uncertainty quantification related to thermodynamic data. Experience in developing tools to quantify and study uncertainties in large datasets.

Mentorship
Mentoring experience of students, postdocs or early-career staff.

Education/Experience for Scientist 1: Position requires a bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for Scientist 2: Position requires a bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in one of the aforementioned fields.
• Specialized experience.
• Experience with EOS table generation and/or data libraries such as EOSPAC.
• Project leadership and funding.
• Successful experience in acquiring funding for and/or leading small projects.

Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants should submit a CV/resume and a cover letter describing how they meet the minimum requirements, and any desired qualifications for the position. We welcome a broad pool of candidates from a diverse background. For more information or questions please contact: Abigail Hunter (ahunter@lanl.gov).

Where You Will Work

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 leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
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). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

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.
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 regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, 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.