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Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc information

What types of research projects do Plasma Physics Postdoc Interns typically work on, and how independently are they expected to contribute?

Plasma Physics Postdoc Interns are usually involved in cutting-edge research projects such as experimental or theoretical studies on fusion energy, plasma-material interactions, or advanced diagnostic tools. While they often collaborate with senior scientists and multidisciplinary teams, they are also expected to take initiative in designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing results. Independence is encouraged, but regular meetings and mentorship provide guidance and ensure alignment with broader research goals. This structure helps postdocs develop both technical expertise and leadership skills crucial for advancing in academia or industry.

What is an Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc?

An Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc is a temporary research position for individuals who have recently earned their Ph.D. in physics or a related field, focusing on the study of plasma—the fourth state of matter. This role typically involves conducting experiments, simulations, or theoretical work to advance knowledge in plasma physics, often within a university, national laboratory, or industry research center. The postdoc works under the supervision of senior researchers, collaborates with other scientists, and publishes findings. The 'internship' aspect may refer to a fixed-term or fellowship-based postdoctoral appointment designed to provide early-career researchers with hands-on experience and professional development in plasma physics.

What is the difference between Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc vs Research Scientist in Plasma Physics?

AspectInternship Plasma Physics PostdocResearch Scientist in Plasma Physics
Required credentialsGraduate degree (PhD or equivalent)PhD in Plasma Physics or related field
Work environmentAcademic or research institution, temporary positionResearch labs, industry, or academia, permanent or long-term
Employer and industry usageUniversities, government labs, research institutesResearch institutions, industry R&D departments
Common search and comparison intentEntry-level research experience, trainingAdvanced research, project leadership

While an Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc offers early-career research experience in plasma physics, a Research Scientist in Plasma Physics typically involves more advanced responsibilities, longer-term employment, and independent research roles. The internship is ideal for gaining foundational skills, whereas the research scientist position focuses on ongoing research contributions and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in physics or a related field with strong analytical, experimental, and computational research skills. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB, COMSOL, or Python-based tools), data analysis methods, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for advancing research, publishing results, and effectively collaborating in multidisciplinary plasma physics environments.
More about Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc jobs? Cities with the most Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plasma Physics Postdoc jobs? The most popular types of Plasma Physics Postdoc jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Plasma Physics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 10% As Needed, 5% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.
Modeling and Simulation of Inertial Confinement Fusion Physics Postdoc

Modeling and Simulation of Inertial Confinement Fusion Physics Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Description
Job Title Modeling and Simulation of Inertial Confinement Fusion Physics Postdoc
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name XCP-2/Eulerian Codes
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Eulerian Codes Group (XCP-2) in the X-Computational Physics (XCP) Division is seeking an outstanding candidate for a postdoctoral position in code development and modeling related to plasma physics and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). This work will involve contributing to the development of one or more physics packages relevant to inertial confinement fusion (ICF) modeling as well as utilizing novel capabilities to simulate ICF implosions. XCP-2 supports and develops the xRAGE Radiation-Hydrodynamics Eulerian Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) code, which is widely used to perform simulations of ICF and High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) experiments. The candidate will assist in the development of plasma physics models in the xRAGE code. Specific models may include resistive magnetohydrodynamics (for pulsed power experiments), charged particle transport (thermonuclear reaction products), thermal conduction (non-local and coupling to laser physics and magnetohydrodynamics/MHD), non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (nLTE) and/or plasma transport. The position will also involve validation of physics models and their implementation in the xRAGE code as applied to the simulation of ICF and HEDP experiments, as well as performing detailed code comparisons. The successful candidate is expected to work in a team environment with experimentalists and computational scientists, implement models and methods in xRAGE, and publish results.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or related field
  • Solid background in numerical methods and modeling HEDP or related systems
  • Proficiency in Fortran, C/C++, or Python
  • Strong record of publications commensurate with experience
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with theoretical or computational plasma physics
  • Experience with magnetohydrodynamics
  • Experience in neutral particle transport and nuclear reactions (nuclear engineering)
  • Experience in modeling highly-coupled physics experiments for compressible flows
  • Solid background in numerical methods for solving systems of partial differential equations in fluid dynamics or related fields
  • Experience with massively parallel numerical development and simulation
  • Experience with deploying numerical algorithms to future computing architectures
  • Experience with code development relevant to computational physics

Education: A Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computational Science, or a closely related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
Note to Applicants: Applicants should submit a CV/Resume and cover letter. The cover letter should be composed of a one-page career narrative followed by a bulleted list of the applicant's relevant experience for each requirement.
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.
Contact: Brian Haines (bmhaines@lanl.gov)
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.
For general information about the LANL Postdoc Program, go to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php
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.
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.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
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