What You Will Do

Postdocs in the CTA apply semi-analytical models, high performance multi-physics simulations, data analysis, and machine learning to solve critical problems across a wide variety of astrophysical topics.  These include supernovae and kilonovae explosion mechanisms and transients, stellar evolution, gamma-ray bursts, accretion, stellar evolution, planetary physics, and cosmology.  CTA works with LANL and external collaborators to tie these simulations with ground and satellite-based missions including HAWC, NuSTAR, LIGO,  LISA, JWST, EHT, and ZTF.  Together the CTA strives to apply the computational innovations from astrophysics to other laboratory programs including The Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, Office of Experimental Sciences, and Global Security. 

Education:  Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year.

Desired Qualifications:

Technical Knowledge:

• Knowledge and experience in developing, applying, or analyzing numerical simulations to advance the understanding of astrophysics.  
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: hydrodynamics, radiation transport, reaction networks, numerical relativity, atomic/molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, data analysis, or machine learning. 
• Experience with compiled or interpreted programming languages, for example: C, C++, Fortran, Julia, and/or Python.

Technical Communication:

Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences. 

High-Performance Computing:

Experience in working in a high-performance computing environment.  This includes familiarity with running, developing, or post-processing simulations and data on large systems or experience in programing for GPU’s and multi-core systems with MPI, CUDA, Kokkos, OpenMP, etc 

Collaboration:

Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers.

Salary:  Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded.   Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $92,000.  For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Inquiries should be sent to CTA_recruitment@lanl.gov. When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year of PhD); three letters of reference (may be submitted online by applicant or emailed by letter writer to CTA_apply@lanl.gov); and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate’s interest in working with the CTA, mentor(s) the candidate is interested in collaborating with, and how they satisfy the requirements for the position.

Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director’s Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship.

Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third year. 

Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $92,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.

For full consideration for the Metropolis Fellowship please apply by December 17, 2023.  For all other positions apply by January 15, 2023 for full consideration.

For general information go to the websites for the Postdoc Program (https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php ) or the Center For Theoretical Astrophysics (https://ccsweb.lanl.gov/astro/index.html)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of 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.

Where You Will Work

The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (CTA) is seeking candidates for multiple postdoctoral positions in theoretical and computational astrophysics.  The CTA consists of a diverse group of professionals from across LANL organizations with an interest in conducting and promoting cross-cutting astrophysics research at LANL.  The CTA also connects methods and algorithms from astrophysics to applications in a variety of laboratory missions.  With over 50 staff, students, and postdocs, the CTA encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration across a wide variety of astrophysical topics and provides a broad expertise and a strongly supportive community.  The CTA is committed to creating and maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment.

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.