Computational Physics Post-Doc Research Associate

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to work within the DARHT Engineering group in Los Alamos, NM. This role involves advanced research into beam-target and plasma interaction physics, focusing on high-fidelity simulation and informed experimentation. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in relevant fields and have experience with particle beam transport, extensive scientific publications, and the ability to work effectively in diverse teams. Benefits include extensive medical coverage, a robust 401(k) plan, flexible schedules, and relocation packages.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in particle beam transport and/or plasma theory.
• Excellent scientific record of publications.
• Self-motivated and independent researcher with interdisciplinary team experience.

Responsibilities

• Validation of PIC simulations with DARHT experimental data.
• Development of predictive modeling capabilities for beam/plasma interactions.
• Design and optimization of diagnostics for beam/plasma experiments.

Skills

Particle beam transport

Plasma theory

Scientific publications

Interdisciplinary team collaboration

Python

C

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Tools

Particle-in-cell simulations

Job description

What You Will Do

The Dual‑Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J‑6) Group, within the Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join our team and contribute to important challenges relevant to intense relativistic electron beams. This position focuses on advanced research in beam‑target and plasma interaction physics, with an emphasis on high‑fidelity simulation and experiment integration.

• Validation of particle‑in‑cell (PIC) simulations with DARHT experimental data
• Development of predictive modeling capabilities for beam/plasma interactions
• Design and optimization of diagnostics for beam/plasma experiments
• Simulation and analysis of beam transport for existing beamline upgrades and next‑generation designs

J‑6 is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and advancement of the DARHT accelerators‑critical assets supporting Los Alamos National Laboratory's hydrodynamic testing mission.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated skills in particle beam transport and/or plasma theory.
• Excellent scientific record of publications.
• The ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Self‑motivated and independent researcher who has demonstrated experience as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, or Similar (completed within the last 5 years).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience modeling dense plasma
• Experience with particle‑in‑cell methods
• Experience simulating and/or designing charged particle transport beamlines
• Familiarity with Python and/or C

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Typing or keyboarding, lifting 5-10 pounds, Carrying 5-10 pounds.

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.

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 U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

*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. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

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
• Research‑grade 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and PTO
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

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.