About this opportunity
Los Alamos National Laboratory lists this Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Geoscience and Volcanic Hazards opportunity in los alamos, New Mexico. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
What You Will Do
Join a dynamic team of scientists tackling some of the most pressing energy and environmental challenges of our time. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates at the intersection of computational geoscience, geologic hazards, and subsurface systems. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team developing predictive models and integrated assessments for complex Earth systems. An initial research emphasis will be advancing volcanic hazard assessments relevant to Laboratory facilities and operations, with particular attention to the nearby Jemez Mountains-Valles Caldera region and other volcanic sources in northern New Mexico. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to broader EES research and mission-driven programs in natural hazards, subsurface energy systems, and infrastructure resilience -work that directly supports the Laboratory's mission of solving national security challenges through cutting-edge scientific innovation.
The position will combine computational and probabilistic modeling, geologic and geophysical data analysis, and uncertainty quantification. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop publication-driven research while also contributing to programmatic work supporting Laboratory and DOE/NNSA needs. Specific research directions may include:
Developing a regional volcanic source catalog and tectono-magmatic framework for volcanic centers that could plausibly affect Los Alamos
Developing scenario-based and probabilistic models of tephra fallout, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, lahars, and coupled or cascading volcanic hazards
Integrating geologic, geophysical, geochemical, atmospheric, and remote-sensing observations into site-specific hazard assessments
Applying uncertainty quantification, statistical methods, machine learning, and high-performance computing to complex geoscience problems
Investigating thermal, hydrologic, mechanical, and chemical processes in volcanic, geothermal, and other subsurface systems
Contributing to multidisciplinary program development and sponsored research across EES mission areas
You will publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present work at national and international conferences, and collaborate within multidisciplinary research teams. The position offers substantial latitude to help shape a growing volcanic hazards capability while building connections to established EES programs in computational geoscience, coupled-process modeling, energy and subsurface systems, and national security science.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Computational geoscience, geophysics, geology, geological engineering, natural hazards, or subsurface science
Numerical, statistical, or probabilistic modeling of Earth systems
Scientific programming using languages such as Python, Julia, R, C++, or Fortran
Analysis and synthesis of complex geologic, geophysical, geochemical, atmospheric, or geospatial datasets
Demonstrated potential for peer-reviewed publication
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, demonstrated through the ability to clearly convey complex technical information
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment
Desired Qualifications:
Volcanic or other geologic hazard assessment
Tephra dispersal, gravity-driven flow, or coupled-process modeling
Probabilistic hazard assessment, event-tree methods, Bayesian analysis, or uncertainty quantification
Stratigraphy, geochronology, or field geology
GIS, remote sensing, or spatial data analysis
Coupled thermal, hydrologic, mechanical, and chemical process modeling
Machine learning or reduced order models applied to geoscience
High-performance computing, data and model visualization
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance
Education
A Ph.D. in Geology, Volcanology, Geological Engineering, Hydrology, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related field is required. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of Ph.D. completion.
Work Environment
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.
Contact
If you have any specific questions, contact Dr. Matthew Sweeney ( ).
Compensation and Appointment
Initial postdoctoral appointments are for two years and are renewable for a third year. Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience. Outstanding candidates may be eligible for a LANL Director's Fellowship, or one of the prestigious named fellowships: Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines.
Where You Will Work
Located in the mountains of northern New Mexico near Santa Fe, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division conducts world-leading research on subsurface systems, climate, and environmental processes. The CHESS team offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment with access to world-class computational resources, including leadership-class supercomputing facilities.
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 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 or call .
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Worksite address
los alamos, NM, 87545, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.