Advanced Detectors R&D Scientist (Scientist 3)
Los Alamos National Security LLC
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Job summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory's Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) invites applications for an R&D Scientist 3 to support the Advanced Detectors Team. The role focuses on developing analytical instrumentation and methods for precision measurement of nuclear materials using X-ray, gamma-ray, and decay-energy spectroscopy.
You will contribute to data-processing algorithms, uncertainty quantification, and software for spectral analysis, instrument operation, and user-facing analysis
Qualifications
- Experience developing data-processing algorithms and uncertainty-quantification approaches.
- Experience with high-precision measurements and uncertainty analysis in physical sciences.
- Experience with ionizing-radiation detection and measurement.
- Experience with low-temperature or cryogenic measurement systems and instrumentation.
- Advanced experience in scientific computing, data-analysis, or instrument-control software.
- Proficiency with Python or similar scientific computing tools.
Responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to experimental R&D involving advanced radiation-detection systems.
- Develop data-processing algorithms and quantitative spectral-analysis methods.
- Develop uncertainty-quantification approaches for high-precision measurements.
- Develop and maintain scientific software for data analysis, instrument operation, and user-facing capabilities.
- Support development, testing, characterization, and operation of complex instrumentation.
- Analyze data and communicate technical conclusions; mentor students and staff.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and influence project approaches.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a highly motivated and technically accomplished R&D Scientist 3 to support the Advanced Detectors Team in a casual appointment.
The Advanced Detectors Team develops analytical instrumentation and methods for precision measurement and characterization of nuclear materials using advanced X-ray, gamma-ray, and decay-energy spectroscopy. Research supports basic science, international nuclear safeguards, nuclear nonproliferation, and national security applications.
The team's research portfolio includes advanced low-temperature detector technologies, including large arrays of transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters using microwave SQUID multiplexing readout and cryogenic systems operating below 0.1 K. These technologies provide ultra-high-resolution measurements that enable new approaches to nuclear material characterization and quantitative analysis.
A major objective of the Advanced Detectors effort is to increase the technology readiness level of microcalorimeter-based measurements and quantitative analysis methods and transition these technologies toward complete analytical instruments. These systems must reliably produce calibrated spectra and spectral images that can be interpreted by end users. Important areas of development include data-processing algorithms, quantitative spectral analysis, uncertainty quantification, instrument performance characterization, and implementation of analytical capabilities in accessible scientific software.
The selected candidate will apply significant technical expertise and independent judgment to support ongoing R&D activities and development of new measurement and analysis capabilities. Responsibilities may include:
- Lead and contribute to experimental R&D involving advanced radiation-detection and measurement systems.
- Develop and implement data-processing algorithms and quantitative spectral-analysis methods.
- Develop uncertainty-quantification approaches supporting high-precision measurements.
- Develop and maintain scientific software for data analysis, instrument operation, and user-facing analytical capabilities.
- Support development, testing, characterization, and operation of complex scientific instrumentation.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate technical conclusions.
- Provide technical leadership and influence project approaches and technical decision‑making.
- Contribute significantly to development of small‑to‑moderate‑scale research proposals.
- Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and other technical documentation.
- Present research results to internal and external technical audiences.
- Mentor students and early‑career staff and contribute to workforce development and laboratory‑based STEM instruction.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, technologists, students, and external research partners.
- Demonstrated experience developing data-processing algorithms, quantitative spectral-analysis methods, and uncertainty-quantification approaches.
- Demonstrated experience conducting high‑precision quantitative measurements and uncertainty analysis in physical science, analytical chemistry, engineering, nuclear safeguards, or a closely related technical field.
- Demonstrated experience with ionizing‑radiation detection and measurement.
- Demonstrated experience with low‑temperature or cryogenic measurement systems or related complex scientific instrumentation.
- Advanced experience developing scientific‑computing, data‑analysis, or instrument‑control software.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Python or comparable scientific‑computing tools.
- Experience translating scientific and analytical requirements into maintainable software capabilities.
- Demonstrated experience conducting experimental R&D in the physical sciences, including developing, testing, characterizing, and operating complex measurement systems or scientific instruments.
- Demonstrated ability to independently analyze experimental results, identify technical challenges, and develop appropriate solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to influence project or program technical strategies and provide leadership in technical decision‑making.
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead significant technical activities while effectively collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated experience documenting technical work through plans, proposals, reports, publications, articles, or theses.
- Demonstrated experience contributing significantly to research proposals and communicating technical R&D results to internal and external audiences.
- Demonstrated experience mentoring students or early‑career staff.
- Experience supporting laboratory‑based instruction, technical training, or other STEM workforce‑development activities.
Position requires a Master's Degree in experimental physics or a closely related discipline and six years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, a Ph.D. may be preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in X‑ray spectroscopy, including techniques such as X‑ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X‑ray emission spectroscopy (XES), or X‑ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).
- Demonstrated expertise in gamma‑ray spectroscopy, particularly quantitative analysis of radioactive or nuclear material composition.
- Experience with transition‑edge sensor microcalorimeters, SQUID‑based readout systems, cryogenic detector systems, or related advanced detector technologies.
- Experience developing or operating physical‑science or engineering measurement systems incorporating large numbers of channels, pixels, or sensors.
- Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine‑learning techniques to scientific or technical problems.
- Experience with Bayesian analysis, Monte Carlo methods, maximum‑likelihood estimation, or other advanced statistical techniques.
- Experience transitioning experimental measurement technologies toward operational or user‑facing analytical systems.
- Experience supporting nuclear safeguards, nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear‑material characterization, or related national security applications.
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
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. 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)
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 does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.
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.
Regular‑status Laboratory employees applying for term‑status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principle Associate Director.
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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