CEDAR email: Postdoctoral position in computational plasma physics at the Los Alamos National Laboratory

[Delzanno, Gian Luca]

The T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral position in computational plasma physics. The position is on the development of spectral methods for the kinetic equations, targeting problems that requires coupling microscopic physics in large-scale simulations.

The current applications are primarily in space physics, and include:
- The development of new numerical methods for global magnetospheric modeling that treat the microscopic physics accurately
- The development of new modeling frameworks for radiation belt remediation based on artificial injection of electromagnetic waves to reduce the fluxes of hazardous MeV electrons via wave-particle interaction physics
- The interaction of spacecraft with magnetized plasmas, specifically on spacecraft charging mitigation and on inverse spacecraft-charging calculations for data interpretation from various space missions

These projects are supported by collaborations within T-5 (involving statisticians, applied mathematicians and physicists), with other groups at Los Alamos (in particular the Intelligence and Space Research and the Accelerator Operations and Technology divisions), and with other groups within the US and internationally.

Minimum Job Requirements:
- A PhD in computational plasma physics or space physics completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed. Outstanding candidates with experience in other relevant fields (e.g. applied math) will also be considered.
- Experience with coding languages such as Fortran and/or C++, and other software such as Matlab or python
- Demonstrated research ability, as evidenced by publications, reports, presentations, awards, etc
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)

Desired skills:
- Experience with numerical methods and high-performance computing
- Ability to work independently as well as to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise
- Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take initiatives and pursue new research directions

Notes to Applicants:
- For full consideration, please submit (A) a cover letter describing background and relevant experience, (B) a full resume, and (C) contact information for three professional references. This appointment is valid for two years with a possible third year extension. Note that US citizenship is not a requirement.
- Only applications received through the LANL website will be considered. Please go to
https://jobszp1.lanl.gov/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?page=/oracle/apps/irc/candidateSelfService/webui/VisVacDispPG&OAHP=IRC_EXT_SITE_VISITOR_APPL&OASF=IRC_VIS_VAC_DISPLAY&akRegionApplicationId=821&transactionid=1596489080&retainAM=N&addBreadCrumb=RP&p_svid=78314&p_spid=3505345&oapc=7&oas=iZHgE4DyOeH48-BCNQTcwQ..
The vacancy name is IRC78314
- Strong candidates may be eligible for a Laboratory fellowship. See https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-appointment-types.php
for details.
- For additional information, please contact Gian Luca Delzanno (delzanno at lanl.gov).