Acoustics Experimental and Data Analysis Postdoc

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Onsite gym & wellness

Tuition assistance

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, seeks a postdoctoral researcher with strong experimental and data analysis skills to advance defect detection and materials characterization technologies. You will work on complex experiments, data processing, and the development of new sensing methods.

The role emphasizes hands‑on experimental work, data analysis, and collaboration across disciplines, with opportunities to publish and present findings at conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD earned within the last five years or soon to be completed.
• Strong background in signal processing, data analysis, finite element analysis (COMSOL), ultrasonic techniques, nondestructive testing, structural mechanics, and machine learning.
• Fluency in programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Visual Basic, C++, LabVIEW, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience designing and conducting experiments.
• Demonstrated scientific research through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with complex experimental design/execution and data analysis.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (US citizenship typically required).

Responsibilities

• Perform complex experimental work and significant data analysis and signal processing.
• Contribute to development of new sensing technologies and validation in the field.
• Publish results and contribute to patents and conference presentations.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and present work to sponsors.

Skills

Signal processing

Data analysis

Machine learning

Hands-on experimental skills

Peer‑reviewed publications

Independent problem solving

Programming languages (MATLAB, Python,

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or related field

Tools

COMSOL

CAD software

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Applied Acoustics Team (MPA-11) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with strong experimental and data analysis skills. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to the development of new defect detection and qualification technologies for critical applications. This work involves complex experimental work, as well as significant data analysis and signal processing. Our current work focuses on applied research for material characterization (solids, liquids, gases), acoustical imaging, nonlinear acoustics, acoustic separation of two-phase systems, detection of corrosion and other defects in materials and acoustically engineered materials. The work involves development of new techniques, customized instrumentation and validation of measurements in the field. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of new sensing technologies, patents and publications. There will be opportunities to work in a wide range of areas, to innovate, and present work to sponsors and conferences. A background in ultrasonics/acoustics is not required, and thus candidates with strong hands‑on experimental skills are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field, earned within the last five years or soon to be completed
• Strong technical background in one or more of the following areas: signal processing, advanced data analysis, finite element analysis (especially COMSOL), ultrasonic techniques, nondestructive testing, structural mechanics, and machine learning
• Fluency in one or more computer programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, Visual Basic, C++, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience designing and conducting experiments
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer‑reviewed publication record
• Experience with complex experimental design/execution and associated data analysis
• Demonstrated capability to act both creatively and independently to accomplish tasks given by senior personnel
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires US citizenship)

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of electronics and typical laboratory test instruments, such as function generators, oscilloscopes and piezoelectric transducers
• Experience with CAD software
• Experience in ultrasonic flaw detection, acoustic imaging, or acoustic characterization of materials
• Experience with acoustic instrumentation in harsh environments
• Experience with acoustic resonance techniques (i.e. ARS, RUS, etc.)
• Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible to learn new areas of research as needed
• PCB CAD experience (Eagle, Altium, etc.)
• Analog circuit design and analysis
• Digital circuit design
• Power electronics design and electrical impedance matching

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

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.

Questions: Contact: Dr. John Greenhall, [e-mail]

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)

Directive 206.2

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 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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.