Bruno Rossi Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

Nevada National Security Sites; North Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive salary

Research support funding

Job summary

Nevada National Security Sites is inviting applications for the Bruno Rossi Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship, aimed at early-career scientists in North Las Vegas. This role focuses on advances in theory, computational modeling, and machine learning, offering a chance to work closely with senior mentors.

Candidates need a PhD in a STEM discipline and should demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills. The fellowship provides competitive compensation, research support, and a three-year term.

Qualifications

• PhD awarded within 3 years of the start date.
• Demonstrated excellence in scientific computing.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Drive advances in theory and computational modeling.
• Collaborate with senior NNSS mentor and partner labs.
• Develop projects aligned to focus areas.

Skills

High-performance scientific computing

Accelerator/beam physics

Machine Learning

Strong communication skills

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

PhD in a STEM discipline

Job description

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our mission is to ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high‑hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities. Our vision is to be the user site of choice for large‑scale, high‑hazard, national security experimentation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision; pension and 401(k); paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation assistance for candidates located more than 75 miles from the work location; tuition assistance and reimbursement.

Responsibilities

The NNSS Science & Technology Directorate invites exceptional early‑career scientists to apply for the Bruno Rossi Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellow will drive advances in theory, computational modeling, and machine learning for the Scorpius linear induction accelerator (LIA). The role is a high‑impact, publication‑friendly position embedded with a senior NNSS mentor and collaborating laboratories.

Fellowship Focus Areas (Theory/Computation/ML)

• Accelerator & Beam Physics (Theory/Computation)
• Relativistic Beam–Target Interaction Physics
• Beam Transport in Complex Environments
• Collective Effects and Instabilities
• Pulsed‑Power and Accelerator Coupling
• Diagnostics by Design
• Multiphysics Target Response
• Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twin Foundations for the Scorpius Accelerator
• Data‑Driven Machine Tuning
• Predictive Maintenance and Anomaly Detection
• Physics‑Constrained Machine Learning
• Uncertainty‑Aware Control

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (education, publications, software contributions, and up to three references)
• Research Statement (≤ 3 pages): proposed 2–3 projects aligned to Focus Areas, including methods, milestones, and potential collaborators
• Selected Publications or preprints demonstrating relevant expertise
• References: contact information for 3–5 referees (letters may be requested at the shortlist stage)

How To Apply & Key Dates

• Deadline for full consideration: October 31 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time
• Interviews: November–December 2026
• Decisions: January 2027
• Start date: 2027 (flexible)

Compensation & Support

• Annual salary: $130,000
• Research support: Up to $250,000 over the term, allocated annually with NNSS mentor and program approval. Discretionary support for hardware, software, data/storage, user facility access, travel, and, if needed, funding for a graduate student or research associate.
• Term: Up to 3 years (initial 2‑year appointment with possible 3rd‑year extension based on performance and program needs)
• Mentorship: Dedicated NNSS mentor; opportunities to present to NNSS/NNSA leadership and partner labs.

About the Fellowship & the Namesake

The fellowship honors Bruno Benedetto Rossi, a pioneering experimental and theoretical physicist whose work helped shape modern particle physics and x‑ray astronomy. The Rossi Fellow carries forward his legacy of rigorous physics, elegant instrumentation, and science in service to national missions.

Qualifications

• PhD in a STEM discipline (physics, applied physics, nuclear engineering, EE, applied math, CS, or related field) awarded within 3 years of the start date.
• Demonstrated excellence in high‑performance scientific computing, accelerator/beam physics, radiation transport, pulsed‑power modeling, multiphysics MHD, optimization/UQ, or modern ML/AI for physical systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience building successful collaborations across multiple organizations.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with minimal direction in a driven environment.
• Primary duty location: NNSS’ North Las Vegas facility with occasional travel to NNSS site, LANL, LLNL, and SNL.
• Work schedule: typical 4/10 (Mon–Thu); hybrid arrangements may be considered based on program needs.
• Pre‑placement physical examination, including a drug screen, required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Department of Energy Q Clearance

Position will be cleared to DOE Q level. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, and able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance. The clearance process includes a federal background investigation and may involve a counterintelligence evaluation or polygraph examination.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.

Learn more about the fellowship and its namesake at https://nnss.gov/mission/sdrd/bruno-rossi-distinguished-postdoctoral-fellowship-in-science-and-technology/.