What Your Job Will Be LikeAre you looking to perform innovative research in data science? Are you excited about research informed by real-world needs? Are you passionate about impacting problems of national importance? If so, consider the possibilities afforded by Sandia's Data Science Fellowship.
The S. Scott Collis Fellowship in Data Science seeks applicants with a demonstrated background in the interdisciplinary field of data science. Collis Fellows in Data Science work at the junction of cutting-edged data science techniques and Sandia's national security mission and application space. Data science at Sandia emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of scientific, engineering, and observational (sensor) data, including development of scientific models, pattern identification, prediction, and knowledge extraction. Relevant analysis techniques range from artificial intelligence to advanced statistical methods, to optimization techniques, to methods designed for specialized hardware, and beyond. Examples of the scientific and engineering applications relevant to Sandia's diverse missions include nuclear deterrence and nonproliferation, numerical modeling and scientific simulation, energy systems and power grid, cyber security, operations research, geospatial analysis, neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, and many other national security domains.
The focus on data-driven insight through development of novel methods is central to the Collis Fellowship. We seek Fellows who will emphasize foundational data science research over work for which advances in data science are incidental to other topics. For example, development of new data-driven methods to improve the quality of numerical simulations, or methods for analyzing quantum entanglement data, are both in scope for the Collis Fellowship. However, applicants primarily interested in traditional computational and mathematical modeling should instead consider Sandia's John von Neumann Fellowship, while those focused on development of quantum algorithms or architectures should consider the Gil Herrera Fellowship .
As a Sandia Data Science Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:
- Pursue a combination of both self-directed research in your topic area and integration with existing Sandia R&D projects,
- Address complex problems in support of broad-ranging national security areas,
- Collaborate with highly motivated researchers on challenging research questions using state-of-the-art computational resources, and
- Present your work at leading publication and conference venues.
The selected Fellow will receive a two-year appointment with the potential option for a third year, which includes a highly competitive salary, moving expenses, and a generous professional travel allowance.
Sandia National Laboratories is dedicated to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives. Consistent with this dedication, we seek applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, and we foster a research community of belonging.
Application ProcessApplicants should submit a one- or two-page summary, excluding references, of a data science research problem and proposed approach. We are interested in understanding the types of problems, data, and techniques that candidates hope to pursue during a potential fellowship. Insights into how the proposed work may relate to national security problems are welcomed but not required. If selected for the fellowship, the candidate will work with a Sandia staff mentor to align the proposed work to Sandia's mission needs and expand the summary into a formal proposal for the funding that will support the next two years of their research at half-time. The other half of the selected fellow's time will come from an existing Sandia R&D project, giving the fellow the opportunity to collaborate on a research team.
To apply to the S. Scott Collis Fellowship in Data Science, please complete the following steps: - Submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and a 1-2 page research proposal to this posting
- Have three letters of recommendation submitted to [email protected] with "Collis DS Fellowship" as the subject line
- Applicants who are selected for on-site interviews should be available to travel during the weeks of January 18 th and 25 th 2027.
Complete applications received through November 30, 2026 will receive full consideration. ***Applicants on this requisition not selected for the S. Scott Collis Fellowship in Data Science may be considered for other postdoc opportunities at Sandia National Laboratories where available.
Qualifications We Require- Completion within the last three years, or anticipated completion of requirements by commencement of appointment, of a Ph.D. in a data science related area, such as mathematics, computer science, statistics, or engineering
- Research experience in one or more areas of data science, including but not limited to data collection and sharing, analysis and interpretation of data, novel algorithm development, pattern identification, prediction, and knowledge extraction. Evidence for expertise in data science may include a combination of formal academic training, research publications and presentations, development of open source or sharable software packages, and professional experience
- No previous postdoctoral appointments at a national laboratory
- Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE security clearance, which requires US Citizenship
Qualifications We Desire- Ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments alongside specialists in other domains
- Related professional experience such as internships in industry or at other national labs, participation in visiting research programs, etc.
- Proven research community leadership through activities such as participation in student or professional organizations, outreach activities, etc.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills Software development experience in C++, C, Matlab , R, Python, Julia, or related languages
- A commitment to encouraging a culture of professionalism and belonging, as demonstrated through your application materials
About Our TeamOne of the country's largest research facilities, Sandia employs over 14,000 people in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Livermore, California, in an exciting and highly collaborative multidisciplinary work environment. Our mission areas include nuclear weapons, energy, nonproliferation, defense, infrastructure, homeland security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity. Data Science touches most of Sandia's diverse missions, and we collaborate with a broad range of government customers while also maintaining a research presence in the external professional community by collaborating with both universities and industry. Sandia Data Scientists publish peer-reviewed literature, participatein professional societies, and referee for conferences and journals.
Posting DurationThis posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
