Accelerator Physicist (Scientist 2/3)
Los Alamos National Security LLC
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks an Accelerator Physicist at Scientist 2 or 3 level to support DARHT accelerators and perform independent R&D for facility improvements. The role involves theoretical, modelling, and experimental work across beam generation, transport, and diagnostics, with opportunities to contribute to upgrades like the Multi-pulse Test Line.
Eligible candidates may be considered for Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level based on experience.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated proficiency in accelerator physics, accelerator technologies, plasma physics, or related fields.
- Experience with experimental research in high-energy or high-power systems is preferred.
- Strong data analysis, documentation, and presentation skills.
Responsibilities
- Support DARHT beam operations and conduct independent R&D via analytical, experimental, and model-based methods.
- Develop and disseminate research on DARHT accelerators and facilities.
- Lead and collaborate on experiments, diagnostics, and support systems for future upgrades.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J-6) Group is looking for an Accelerator Physicist (Scientist 2 or 3). This position is full-time, located at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and requires on-site work activities.
J-6 operates, maintains, and enhances the DARHT accelerators which provide a critical resource to LANL's hydrodynamic test mission. J-6 encompasses accelerator physics and diagnostics, pulse-power systems, mechanical and control systems, the sum of which span a wide range of physical disciplines, technologies, and organizations. We are specifically seeking qualified individuals with a background in experimental studies relevant to an intense relativistic electron beam (IREB) facility encompassing all aspects of beam generation, acceleration, transport, and utilization. Specific topics of interest for this position include A) development and experimental validation of IREB physics models and tunes based on reduced-order models such as beam envelope methods, including higher-order models, B) characterization and diagnosis of beam interactions with highly collisional, high-Z plasmas, C) radiofrequency and similar high-frequency phenomena associated with IREB operation, D) intense, flash, photon source characterization up to 20 MeV energies, and E) development of physics studies leveraging facilities throughout the US to advance DARHT-relevant physics studies. Candidates with one or more areas of interest in the above are encouraged to apply. As a member of the DARHT Physics Team in J-6, the Accelerator Physicist (Scientist 2 or 3) will support DARHT beam operations and conduct independent research and development for current and future facility improvements via theoretical, modelling, and experimental techniques. This includes scientific work on the DARHT facility, satellite support facilities, the upcoming Multi-pulse Test Line upgrade to DARHT, and other facilities capable of DARHT-relevant conditions.
- Support DARHT beam operations and conduct independent research and development via analytical, experimental, and model-based methods.
- Propose, conduct, analyze, and disseminate original research on the DARHT accelerators, experimental platforms, and supporting facilities in an individual capacity and within broader group efforts.
- Develop subject-matter expertise of DARHT accelerators, experimental platforms, analysis and operations codes, and support systems.
- Serve as reviewer for proposals for research on the DARHT accelerators, experimental platforms, and supporting facilities.
- Participate in the diagnosis of failures or malfunctions that occur in the DARHT facility and assist system designers and engineers in developing solutions.
- Adhere to the principles of Formality of Operations including Conduct of Operations, Conduct of Maintenance, Conduct of Engineering, and Conduct of Training.
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, the candidate will:
- Interact with groups within J Division and the broader Laboratory to find solutions to DARHT-relevant challenges.
- Participate in the development of system requirements for existing and future accelerator systems, experimental platforms, and support facilities.
- Provide input and subject-matter expertise for the conduct of experiments and operations at DARHT.
- Lead research, design, testing, and analysis of new accelerator systems, experimental platforms, and technology solutions for DARHT accelerators.
- Propose, conduct, analyze, and disseminate new facility capabilities or models of operation to improve efficiency of the DARHT radiographic facility and DARHT Complex.
- Lead and coordinate research on DARHT-relevant topics within the Laboratory.
Minimum Job Requirements:
Demonstrated proficiency and expertise in the form of peer-reviewed publications of one or more of the following topical areas: accelerator physics, accelerator technologies, plasma physics, charged particle physics, accelerator or plasma diagnostic systems, x-ray sources and source characterization, quantitative data analysis, materials characterization, materials modeling, and similar applicable subject areas. Adherence to and advocacy for principles of scientific integrity.
Knowledge and experience developing and implementing technical research, including the formulating and testing hypotheses, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions to technical problems.
Significant knowledge and experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.
Significant knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers including other team members. Experience with collaboration across organizational boundaries and the ability to manage these relationships in a positive manner.
Contributes to large-scale technical projects to solve laboratory-wide challenges. Sets individual and/or team direction and goals for solving problems and meeting client needs. Determines and pursues courses of action necessary to obtain desired results.
Develops innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques, and approaches to address specialized problems. Identifies, promotes, and develops new technical capabilities within Laboratory. May influence division strategies and directions.
Leads technical decision-making for tasks within a project. Makes decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmatic objectives.
Develops and implements project management plans, including scope, schedule, and budget, for small to moderate and/or major project tasks. Defines deliverables at project or major task level.
Uses project assignments to further organizational goals. May acquire internal/external funding for self and optimally others through leading development of small to moderate proposals. Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.
Position requires a master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
- Familiarity and ability to learn scientific analysis tools embodied in common programming languages such as IDL, Python and/or MATLAB.
- Familiarity with accelerator operations or similar, large-scale scientific facility operations.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting experimental systems.
- Sound knowledge of project planning and control methods.
- Experience working under formal conduct of operations, in a large-scale, complex facility such as a charged-particle accelerator, nuclear reactor, chemical reactor, or actinide operations.
- Demonstrated leadership skills to include overseeing the design, planning, development, and testing of new experimental systems as well as the ability to contribute to the organizational and team knowledge level by mentoring others.
Receives nominal supervision on all except the most complex problems and solutions.
- Coordinates and monitors the work of junior staff and peers. Provides technical direction to multiple teams for organizational initiatives.
(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Typing or keyboarding, lifting 5-10 pounds, Carrying 5-10 pounds.
Outdoors, In confined space, heights, Underground, Working alone, Working overtime or irregular schedule, Domestic/foreign travel, operation of motor vehicles, Work with weapons or explosives, Work with vibrating equipment/machinery, Work near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, sprays, mists, or vapors, fumes, carcinogens, Hearing protection, Gloves or hand protection, Safety shoes or protective foot-gear, Headgear or head protection, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, Mask or respirator.
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
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.
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.
- 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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.
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.
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