What You Will Do

We have an exciting opportunity for a Plume and Fire Modeling Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. As part of the Information Systems and Modeling Group (A-1), you will play a role in solving national security problems for a wide range of government sponsors. For 20+ years, we have developed and applied the Quick Urban & Industrial Complex (QUIC) Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Plume Dispersion Modeling System that is used around the world to support emergency response. In collaboration with a sister organization in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, we have also developed two fast-running fire spread models, QUIC-Fire and QUIC-FST, that are being used to address prescribed burns and large-scale fire spread.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will support efforts on R&D, testing, validation, and application of our QUIC CBR plume modeling system and/or our QUIC fire spread models. Our current efforts focus on plume transport and dispersion in cities and mountainous terrain and fire spread in similar environments. You will become familiar with and utilize a range of high-fidelity full-physics models to simpler fast-running approximated models. Some opportunities for participation in meteorological and tracer field experiments may be possible as well.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Background experience and/or education in computational fluid dynamics, numerical weather prediction, turbulent plume dispersion, fire spread modeling, or related field.

• Must have programming/coding experience such as Fortran, C++, Python, Matlab, etc.

• Ability and desire to obtain both Q and SCI clearances, which requires U.S. citizenship

• Evidence of Communication skills: brainstorming and writing skills are essential, as is working effectively as part of a team.

• The desire to continually learn as well as being open to working on a variety of topics.

Education/Experience: PhD Required. Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, Nuclear Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aviation Sciences, or some similar field of study.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. within the last five years in Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, Nuclear Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aviation Sciences, or some similar field of study, or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

• Experience with Fortran, C++, Python, Matlab or an equivalent programming language is essential, and GPU coding experience is a plus, but not required.

• Experience with urban transport and dispersion and familiarity with fast-running approximated wind solvers, plume models, and/or fire models is beneficial.

• Experience mentoring students

Work Environment: This position will require some domestic travel and may require occasional foreign travel.

Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the position.

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/SCI (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 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.

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Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

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• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account. Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.