High Explosives Computational Physicist (Scientist 3)

About the Role

The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) is seeking exceptional candidates to develop, implement, and exercise high explosives models in massively parallel multi-physics codes as part of the Advanced Scientific Computing (ASC) Program. XCP-2 staff engage in a wide range of computational physics modeling disciplines, including numerical fluid and solid mechanics, materials science, radiation hydrodynamics, plasma physics, turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, high explosives, nuclear physics and engineering, and neutral and charged particle transport.

Additional research efforts focus on developing and optimizing cutting-edge physics algorithms for performance on both homogeneous and heterogeneous high-performance computing platforms. Responsibilities include research and development of applied physics and engineering models, implementation of these methods into production codes using excellent software development practices, testing and validation of methods, and education and support of users adopting these methods.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop applied physics and engineering models, particularly in high explosives, reactive flow, or chemical kinetics.
• Implement methods into production multi-physics scientific codes using modern software engineering practices.
• Test and validate developed methods to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Provide education and support to users adopting new methods.
• Mentor and guide students, postdocs, and junior staff members.
• Secure and expand funding for small to medium-sized projects, leading them from inception to completion.

Requirements

• Thorough professional knowledge, experience, and leadership in computational modeling of high explosives, reactive flow, or chemical kinetics.
• Advanced proficiency with modern Fortran, C, or C++ and/or experience in the development of multi-physics scientific codes, including software engineering practices and user support.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a team environment, with a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility in work assignments.
• Proven ability to mentor and guide students, postdocs, and junior staff members.
• Proven track record of securing and expanding funding for small to medium-sized projects, with demonstrated experience successfully leading such projects.

Qualifications

Minimum requirement: 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 education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Preferred: Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation is a plus.
• Experience deploying numerical algorithms to heterogeneous computing architectures is desirable.
• Experience with LANL's mission and research environment, including impact on programmatic deliverables for the nuclear weapons program, will be given preference.

Work Location

This position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment employees must serve a period of continuous service in their current position (1 year for this role) to be eligible to apply for other posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government. To obtain a Q clearance, U.S. citizenship is required except in extremely rare circumstances. Additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance is ultimately a decision of the Federal Government.

Note: Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for those outside a 50-mile radius).