Physical Sciences Graduate Research Assistant Student

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

C++ Programming Language, Capsules, Communication Skills, Cost Control, Dental Insurance, Documentation, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, Fortran Programming Language, Insurance, Laboratory, Mathematics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physical Science, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Programming Languages, Project/Program Coordination, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Requirements Management, Safety/Work Safety, Scientific Research, Team Player, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Unix Shell Programming, Vision Plan

LOCATION

Los Alamos, NM

POSTED

2 days ago

What You Will Do

The Integrated Design and Assessment (XTD-IDA) group in the X Theoretical Design (XTD) division is seeking motivated candidates for a six-month Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position simulating small scale mixing in Double Cylinder experiments.

The Double Cylinder experiments are a series of experiments fired at the Sandia Z machine that aim to understand the hydrodynamic development of features in imploding geometries, such as joints in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) capsules. In these experiments, Z is used to implode a pair of concentric cylindrical shells around a central witness rod, with 2D defects placed on the inner shell. These features are unstable and produce spikes that can interact and imprint onto the central rod. The experiments are nominally two dimensional, but simulations of the double shell experiments have found them to be sensitive to 3D effects.

In particular, the focus of this position is to research the effects of small-scale mixing and how it should be modeled in these experiments. This will involve performing 3D Implicit Large Eddy Simulations (ILES) of the experiments using the laboratory's Eulerian xRage code to gauge the computational requirements to properly simulate the mixing. Simulations in the Lagrangian FLAG code are also of interest if time permits. Additionally, 2D and 3D simulations using turbulence models are needed to understand the extent to which these mix effects can be captured in lower cost simulations, and how large-scale thermal instabilities in the exterior of the experiment that drive the mixing should be represented in the mix models. An internal report and/or presentation is required at the end of the six months to document the performed work, and interaction with the broader research community via conferences and journal publications is encouraged.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Pass a 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.
Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
Experience working effectively as part of a team with a willingness to assist and support other team members as needed; and also have the ability to work independently.
Proficient in the use of standard office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Education and Experience: Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Provide documentation of acceptance into a graduate program. Enroll in and successfully complete a minimum of 6 graduate credit hours per semester (or the equivalent of full time enrollment). All students MUST remain enrolled at their university while working at the Lab during the academic year [Note: Students must provide the program coordinator with current, official transcripts annually to remain eligible].

Desired Qualifications:

Exposure to and interest in a relevant discipline such as fluid dynamics, turbulence modeling or applied mathematics
Proficiency in one or more scientific programming languages (e.g. C++, Fortran, or Python);
Undergraduate degree in physical science or engineering is preferred.

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: When applying, candidates must attach a resume, detailed cover letter addressing all minimum job requirements and desired qualifications, and most recent transcripts.

Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, and transcripts) 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.

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.
Where You Will Work

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. 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.

Clearance: Q (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.

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

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.

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.
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: 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.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.

Physical Sciences Graduate Research Assistant Student

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

About the Company

Los Alamos National Laboratory

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