Computational Science Post-Baccalaureate (postbac) Student

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Astrophysics, Chemistry, Code Coverage, Communication Skills, Computer Science, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, DOE Clearance, DOE-Q (Top Secret Restricted Data), Data Analysis, Dental Insurance, Git, Insurance, Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Operations Security (OPSEC), Performance Management, Physics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Programming Languages, Project Planning, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Refactoring, Simulation, Software Administration, Software Development, Software Testing, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), Team Player, Technical Writing, Test Automation, Testing, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, User Documentation, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Vision Plan

LOCATION

Los Alamos, NM

POSTED

3 days ago

What You Will Do

In this role, you will apply your expertise in Python programming to develop and expand the Common Modeling Framework (CMF), a LANL-developed platform that supports modeling workflows and experimental configurations for computational efforts within the Weapons Physics Directorate. The position emphasizes implementing and maintaining Python-based tools and infrastructure that enable scalable, reproducible scientific computing, while also supporting the integration of advanced data analysis and AI-driven capabilities where appropriate. Many weapons physics user communities depend on CMF for collaboration, version control, consolidation of problem setups, and access to several common modeling strategies used for diverse weapons program applications.

A post-bac internship provides an opportunity for mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development through a formalized work plan complementing the students' chosen area of study. During this internship, you will be given one or more of the following tasks:

Add and improve support for material or physics models in CMF
Write, maintain, and improve technical documentation for developers and users
Provide user support and training
Apply AI-driven approaches to enhance user experience by improving tools, automating repetitive tasks, and streamlining computational workflows
Improve existing tools and develop new Python-based utilities to post-process, analyze, and visualize physics simulation outputs
Perform code cleanup, refactoring, and maintenance of existing Python packages to improve readability, performance, reliability, and long-term maintainability
Improve software infrastructure testing and expand automated test coverage to ensure code reliability, stability, and maintainability

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Programming Language

Must have knowledge of python, or a demonstrated ability to learn multiple programming languages.

Education/Experience

Must have an undergraduate degree in computer science, physics, astrophysics, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related STEM field and provide documentation of graduation. Must have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) within the past three years but have not yet been accepted and enrolled in a graduate program. Post-baccalaureate interns may remain in this category for up to two years.

Clearance

This position requires the ability and willingness to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience providing development and user support for a software package.
Experience using version control for software development. Experience with Git and Gitlab is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context.

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.

Note to Applicants:

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.

To be fully considered for the position, candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and their most recent transcripts.

Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, and transcript) will not be considered for employment. Cover letters are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most noteworthy achievements and accomplishments. Your cover letter should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947.

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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.

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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.

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About the Company

Los Alamos National Laboratory

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