Graduate Student SA 1

What You Will Do

The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) of the Theoretical Division seeks outstanding candidates for a graduate research assistant position in computational mechanics and solid mechanics. The successful candidate will conduct research spanning computational solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, geomechanics, and the development of related numerical methods and algorithms.

The Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group (T-3) conducts research in theoretical and computational continuum dynamics including modeling and simulation of fluids and deforming solids over multiple length and time scales. The group's portfolio of research projects places an emphasis on coupling advanced models and numerical methods for materials dynamics at all velocities and with coupled physical processes, including large solid deformation, multiphase flows, chemical reactions, phase change, heat and mass transfer, and combustion. This is a multi-disciplinary group with experience in diverse fields of engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. Our customers include the National Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Weapons Program, other Department of Energy offices, the Department of Defense, and private industry. Collaborations with academia are strongly encouraged.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Enrollment in a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Computational Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or Applied Mathematics
• A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate course work
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
• Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects

Education/Experience

Current enrollment graduate degree in Computational Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or Applied Mathematics.

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive experience in programming finite element method (FEM) or material point method (MPM) codes
• Research experience in theoretical modeling and numerical computation of fluid dynamics, or solid dynamics, or a related field of physics

Additional Details

For full consideration a package must include CV. Applicant reviews will begin on July 18th, 2026. The initial appointment is for 6 months, with possible extensions of up to 3-4 years depending on progress and funding. If you have any questions, please contact minw@lanl.gov.

Pay

Salaries range from $36.52/hr to $42.36/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/_assets/docs/Student%20Salary%20Structure%202023.pdf

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.

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.

Benefits

• 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 Requirements

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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.

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.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China—including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau—as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.