Electromagnetics and Quantum Sensors Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a postdoctoral researcher in the Non-destructive Testing and Evaluation group (V-6) to advance electromagnetic sensing and testing systems for national security. The role emphasizes experimental work, data analysis, and signal processing, with collaboration across a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will design, build, validate custom instrumentation, and contribute to publications, patents, and sponsor interactions under Dr.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or closely related field, earned within the last five years or soon to be completed.
• Strong background in signal processing, experimental electromagnetics, optical/quantum sensing, precision instrumentation, magnetic sensing, or nondestructive evaluation.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Matlab, Python, Visual Basic, C++, LabVIEW).
• Hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments.
• Original scientific research with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with complex experimental design and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and creatively for senior staff guidance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced electromagnetic sensing and testing systems.
• Lead experimental work, data acquisition, analysis, and validation of prototypes.
• Publish results and contribute to patents and collaborations with sponsors.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior researchers to advance sensing technologies.

Skills

Signal processing

Experimental electromagnetics

Optical/quantum sensing

Precision instrumentation

Magnetic sensing

Nondestructive evaluation

Independent work

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or related field

Tools

Matlab

Python

LabVIEW

C++

Visual Basic

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Non-destructive Testing and Evaluation (V-6) group is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with strong experimental and data analysis skills. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to the development of advanced electromagnetic sensing and testing systems for industrial and national security applications. This work involves complex experimental work, as well as significant data analysis and signal processing.

Our current work focuses on applied research in electromagnetic sensing, adiabatic quantum sensors, atomic magnetometry, material characterization, and nondestructive evaluation. The research involves the development of novel sensing techniques, precision optical and electronic instrumentation, experimental validation, signal processing, and field demonstrations. The position offers the opportunity to develop novel sensing technologies from concept through prototype demonstration, including the design, construction, integration, and validation of custom experimental instrumentation. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and construction of advanced sensing systems, data acquisition and analysis, publications, patents, and interactions with industrial and government sponsors. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Marcus Elliott (V-6) and Dr. Igor Savukov (MPA-Q) in developing next-generation adiabatic quantum sensing technologies for nondestructive evaluation.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field, earned within the last five years or soon to be completed
• Strong technical background in one or more of the following areas: signal processing, experimental electromagnetics, optical or quantum sensing, precision instrumentation, magnetic sensing, or nondestructive evaluation
• Proficiency in one or more computer programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, Visual Basic, C++, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication record
• Experience with complex experimental design/execution and associated data analysis
• Demonstrated capability to act both creatively and independently to accomplish tasks given by senior personnel

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with lasers, optics, optical alignment, and photodetection
• Experience with atomic, optical, or quantum sensors (e.g., atomic magnetometers, NV centers, SQUIDs, or related technologies).
• Experience generating, measuring, and controlling magnetic fields using Helmholtz coils, electromagnets, current sources, and magnetic shielding.
• Experience with analog and digital electronics, including lock-in amplifiers, oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, DAQ systems, and low-noise measurements.
• Experience with RF electronics, resonant circuits, and impedance or Q-factor measurements.
• Experience with electromagnetic modeling (COMSOL, ANSYS HFSS, CST, FEMM, CIVA, or similar).
• Experience with data acquisition, automation, and instrument control (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Experience with CAD software and mechanical design for laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience with precision experimental design, uncertainty analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible to learn new areas of research as needed
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires US citizenship)

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.

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.

Contact

Dr. Marcus Elliott, [e-mail]

Where You Will Work

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.

Clearance: Q

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 US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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. 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.

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.