Computational Electrodynamics Accelerator Physicist 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 106,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Medical insurance (PPO/HD)

Dental and vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Scientist 2/3/4 in the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division to provide expert design and modeling of accelerating structures and ion beam physics. The role focuses on LAMP accelerator development, engaging with experimental physicists and engineers at test stands, and advancing end-to-end beam dynamics simulations.

The position supports design development for LAMP, with level 2 or 3 responsibilities depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in simulation and design of hydrogen ion sources, RF structures and components, and/or ion beamlines.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding the expectations of customers and stakeholders in a research organization focused on particle accelerators.
• Excellence in oral and written communication with internal and external collaborators and sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Simulations of RF structures and electromagnetic components in CST, COMSOL, HFSS or similar software.
• Beam physics simulations with IMPACT-T, GPT, CST Particle Studio, Elegant, or similar software.
• Knowledge of advanced RF structure and beamline optimization techniques, including machine learning and AI.

Skills

Ion source modeling

RF structure modeling

Beam dynamics simulations

Machine learning in optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

CST

COMSOL

HFSS

IMPACT-T

GPT

CST Particle Studio

Elegant

Job description

What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division Applied Electrodynamics (AOT-AE) group is seeking a Scientist 2/3/4 to provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in all aspects of design and modeling of accelerating structures and ion beam physics. We look for candidates with expertise in ion source modeling, RF structure modeling, electromagnetic components modeling, and start-to-end beam dynamics simulations. This particular position will be funded by the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP), and the successful candidate will engage in design developmental activities for the LAMP accelerator, including interactions with experimental physicists and engineers at various test stands associated with LAMP.

What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division Applied Electrodynamics (AOT-AE) group is seeking a Scientist 2/3/4 to provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in all aspects of design and modeling of accelerating structures and ion beam physics. We look for candidates with expertise in ion source modeling, RF structure modeling, electromagnetic components modeling, and start-to-end beam dynamics simulations. This particular position will be funded by the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP), and the successful candidate will engage in design developmental activities for the LAMP accelerator, including interactions with experimental physicists and engineers at various test stands associated with LAMP.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 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.

Scientist 2: $106,400-$176,000

• Simulations of RF structures and electromagnetic components in CST, COMSOL, HFSS or similar software;
• Beam physics simulations with IMPACT-T, GPT, CST Particle Studio, Elegant, or similar software; and
• Knowledge of advanced RF structure and beamline optimizations techniques, including but not limited to those employing machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Scientist 3: $128,000-$215,900

• Modeling and simulations of RF-driven H- sources, such as SNS-type sources;
• Modeling and simulations of RF-driven H+ sources, e.g. ECR-type sources; and
• Design and optimization of ion accelerators incorporating H+ or H- ion sources, radiofrequency quadrupoles, drift-tube linacs, and RF accelerating structures.
• Development of new projects and leading proposals in his area of expertise.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in simulation and design of hydrogen ion sources, RF structures and components, and/or ion beamlines similar to those required to demonstrate key operating parameters of the LAMP ion source.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding the expectations of customers and stakeholders in a research organization focused on particle accelerators and in meeting commitments and deliverables.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills, with both internal and external collaborators and sponsors.

Education/Experience at Level 2

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master's or a PhD degrees.

Education/Experience at Level 3

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. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD degree.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop technical programs in partnership with others.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and skills in setting priorities and assigning tasks, performance evaluation, mentoring of employees, coaching, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and develop research, engineering, and technical support staff.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage, either directly or matrixed, a group of greater than 10 people.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a multi-million-dollar budget.
• Knowledge of Laboratory, DOD, DOE, and other national programs of relevance to the Group and Division's activities.
• A clear vision of what the future of particle accelerators should look like and how this relates to both existing technology and what technology might look like in the coming years.
• Demonstrated success in setting priorities for and leading efficient, graded implementation of safety, security and safeguards, environmental management, and other core Laboratory business requirements.
• A current Q clearance, or the ability to obtain such, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Work Environment

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.

Position commitment: 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.

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.

Where You Will Work

The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the largest accelerator capability organization within LANL with over 200 employees. AOT is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and improvements to the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) particle accelerator complex. The LANSCE accelerator provides 800-MeV protons used in five separate, but simultaneously operated user programs. Beam/user operations (24/7) run for roughly seven months of the year with the remaining five months reserved for maintenance and upgrades.

In addition to our responsibilities to the LANSCE programs, AOT also supports several large and small internal and external projects as well as doing fundamental research and development in the area of accelerator science, technology, and engineering.

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)

Additional Details

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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

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 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.