Monte Carlo Codes Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Monte Carlo Codes Group (XCP-3) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an early career postdoctoral researcher to join a world-class team specializing in Monte Carlo particle transport methods and code development. XCP-3 provides the Monte Carlo particle transport capability needed to accurately predict the interaction of radiation with matter, serving as the foremost predictive tool for nuclear criticality safety simulations and playing a central role in nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, radiation detection, and radiation safety.

About the role

The successful applicant will perform research and development to improve modeling and simulation capabilities supporting the national-security programs and mission of the Laboratory. Responsibilities include modernizing electron transport capabilities in the MCNP code, developing advanced Monte Carlo transport methods, and integrating modern scientific software practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-performance scientific software in Fortran, C/C++, and Python.
• Conduct verification and validation (V&V) studies for electron transport and coupled multi-particle transport physics.
• Perform software testing, benchmarking, and documentation.
• Support modern software engineering workflows, including version control and continuous integration.
• Collaborate with researchers in computational physics, particle transport, and nuclear engineering to improve the accuracy, robustness, and maintainability of next-generation electron transport capabilities in the MCNP code.
• Present research at professional conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and build a professional network within the computational radiation transport community.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in nuclear engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field completed within the past five years (or soon to be completed).
• Strong background in Monte Carlo particle transport methods and/or scientific software development.
• Knowledge of electron/photon transport physics.
• Strong programming skills in Fortran and/or C++ as well as Python.
• Proficiency in technical communication, including effective written and verbal skills for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a team environment, with a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility in work assignments.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:

• Familiarity with MCNP and/or MCATK and other particle transport codes (e.g., ITS, Geant4, OpenMC, Shift, Serpent) and application areas.
• Parallelization frameworks such as OpenMP and OpenMPI.
• Linux-based software development environments and infrastructure such as git, GitLab (including continuous integration and delivery automation), and CMake.
• Document preparation and maintenance software such as BibTeX, LaTeX, and/or LyX.
• Experience with large-scale scientific software and modern HPC features such as parallel filesystems, HDF5 data files, and Slurm queue management.
• Knowledge of numerical methods, statistical analysis, and/or uncertainty quantification.
• Experience with scientific software verification and/or validation.
• Interest in scientific software design, testing, and performance optimization.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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 ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

About the employer

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.

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) (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).