What You Will Do
We are seeking candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division offers a unique and dynamic environment that fosters multidisciplinary collaborations in support of the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts research across a wide range of topics, including fusion science, space plasma science, numerical analysis, computational imaging, optimization, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure such as gas pipelines and electrical grids. These diverse application areas are unified by research in novel algorithms, numerical methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group is seeking qualified graduate students to join our research teams. This opportunity allows selected candidates to contribute to cutting-edge scientific research while expanding their skill set. The position is open to students who will be actively enrolled in a graduate program throughout the duration of their appointment. Summer positions are also available to graduating undergraduates who have been accepted into graduate programs for Spring 2026. Selected students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in their graduate studies. While most students participate in the program for a 10-12 week period over the summer, there are opportunities to participate during the spring and fall semesters or year-round. Successful candidates will be paired with a mentoring team and will collaborate closely with one of the scientific teams within T-5.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Enrollment in a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or closely related field
A minimum 3.2 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA on graduate course work
Ability to work within a collaborative team environment
Desire to learn new things and openness to work on different projects
Education/Experience: Current enrollment graduate degree in applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field
Desired Qualifications:
Ability to independently learn the usage of scientific software packages and how to perform analytical calculations
Experience in one or more of the following topical areas:
Applied Scientific Computing Research
Numerical analysis
Algorithm development
Linear and nonlinear partial differential equations
Scientific and Computational Imaging
Network analysis, optimization, and control
Critical Infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
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
Note to Applicants:
For full consideration a package must include
CV with contact for 2 references
One-page cover letter that highlights your qualifications and research interests. In the letter, clearly identify 1 to 3 areas of interest by number from the topical areas listed above
Applicant reviews will begin on January 6th, 2026. For full consideration for spring and summer 2026 positions, please apply by January 30th, 2026.
Contact t5jobs@lanl.gov or Melanie Vigil (mlvigil@lanl.gov) for more details about this position
Salaries range from $36.52/hr to $42.36/hr depending on education completed. Full salary information can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/_assets/docs/Student%20Salary%20Structure%202023.pdf
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 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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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 opt. 3.
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