Computational Electrodynamics Accelerator Physicist 4 (Scientist 4)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is looking for a Scientist 4 to provide expertise in ion source modeling and accelerator design. The successful candidate will lead projects within the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division, focusing on simulations and technical leadership for the LANSCE accelerator modernization. Applicants should hold at least a Master’s degree in a STEM field and possess significant experience in related areas. This is an onsite position in Los Alamos, NM, with various benefits including 401(k) matching and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience in simulation and design of hydrogen ion sources and RF structures.
• Success in meeting customer expectations in a research organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop technical programs in partnership with others.
• Leadership experience in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee simulations of RF structures and electromagnetic components.
• Lead projects related to LAMP accelerator design.
• Coordinate with experimental physicists and engineers.
• Manage multi-million-dollar budgets and large teams.

Skills

Ion beam physics

Simulation of ion sources

Electromagnetic components modeling

Beam dynamics simulations

Leadership

Education

Master’s degree in a STEM field

PhD degree (preferred)

Tools

CST

COMSOL

HFSS

IMPACT-T

GPT

CST Particle Studio

Elegant

Job description

Overview

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

What You Will Do

The selected Scientist 4 will provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in one or more of the following areas:

• 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;
• 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;
• Knowledge of advanced RF structure and beamline optimization techniques, including but not limited to those employing machine learning and artificial intelligence; and
• Serve as part of the AOT-AE leadership team and oversee a broad range of basic and applied accelerator science and technology programs for national security and non-defense applications, including participation in program development of projects both internal and external to Los Alamos National Laboratory.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in simulation and design of hydrogen ion sources, RF structures and components, and ion beamlines similar to those required to demonstrate key operating parameters of the LAMP project.
• 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.
• 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.

Education/ Experience at Level 4: Position requires a Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 12 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 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.

Note to Applicants

Each applicant must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the required skills for full consideration.

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 (Security/Clearance)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of certain countries who are not Lawful Permanent Residents 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 provides leadership in accelerator science, engineering, and operations in support of National User Facilities and in solving national security challenges. A principal element of the division's portfolio is operation, maintenance, and improvement of the injector, beam transport, linear accelerators, proton storage ring, and targets of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE).

Benefits

• 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. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

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.

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.

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. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.