Postdoctoral Research Associate in Statistical and Machine Learning Algorithms

What You Will Do

The Statistics Group (CAI-4) in the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop novel statistical and machine learning algorithms for process modeling of complex nuclear processing facilities. These tools will (i) characterize high-dimensional joint distributions for dependent, heterogeneous data sources over time under normal operations, and (ii) enable timely, uncertainty-aware anomaly detection. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will more broadly explore novel uncertainty quantification methods within machine learning and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will join a large, interdisciplinary collaboration of scientists and engineers, working to develop creative solutions to important national security problems at LANL. We will provide opportunities to support your growth as a research statistician, including conference travel, manuscript publication, networking, service, and mentorship opportunities.

CAI-4 is an outstanding team of statisticians that is consistently recognized for award-winning research and high-impact contributions, both at LANL and within the broader statistics and machine learning community. We collaborate extensively on scientific problems in many areas, including materials science, environmental modeling, cosmology, cyber security, image analysis, and complex engineered systems (i.e., the nuclear stockpile). Simulation and high-performance computing play a critical role in many of these applications. You will join and contribute to a team of statisticians with expertise in spatial statistics, time series, machine learning, reliability, design of experiments, computer experiments, Bayesian methods, functional data analysis, stochastic processes, hierarchical models, uncertainty quantification, data fusion, graphical models, advanced regression techniques, and statistical computing. Our group focuses on developing and executing strategies that answer important questions, create valuable and actionable results, and contribute directly to advancing science and supporting the national security mission.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field, earned within the last 5 years.
• Experience in statistical and scientific computing (e.g., C/C++, Python, R).
• Demonstrated collaborative research capabilities, including publication in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and code development.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Accomplishment and expertise in one or more technical areas of the group.
• Experience with statistical applications in the physical and engineering sciences.
• Experience working in high-performance computing environments.
• Ability to obtain a Q Clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  
  

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:

Please submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references who can provide letters of recommendation.

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. 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.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
  
  

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.

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.