Experimental Laser Driven Sources Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applicants for a postdoctoral position in the P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group. The successful candidate will develop and characterize short-pulse laser accelerated probe beams for radiography, lead laser-radiography platforms at Omega and other facilities, and create diagnostics to characterize particle sources.

The role requires working at LANL in Los Alamos, NM, with potential 24/7 shift obligations. U.S.

Qualifications

• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to quality research, integrity, and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize short-pulse laser accelerated probe beams for radiography.
• Lead the development of laser-radiography platforms at the Omega Laser Facility and other short-pulse lasers.
• Design and deploy diagnostics to characterize particle sources.

Skills

Independent research

Scientific communication

Quality-focused work

Q clearance/US citizenship readiness

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering

Job description

What You Will Do

The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position focused on developing and characterizing short-pulse laser accelerated probe beams for radiography applications. The candidate will lead the development of laser-radiography platforms at the Omega Laser Facility and other short-pulse lasers, as well as design and deploy diagnostics to characterize particle sources.

P-4 conducts a broad range of research, including short-pulse laser-driven radiography, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, opacity, radiation hydrodynamics, inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magneto-inertial fusion, and magnetized fusion energy in support of the laboratory. We perform experiments on large- and small-scale experimental facilities, including the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the Omega laser facility at the University of Rochester, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Advanced Photon Source, and other facilities around the world. This postdoctoral position will be focused on using short-pulse lasers to generate probe beams for radiography.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in experimental physics or a very closely related discipline.
• Ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to journal presentations, technical reports, oral or poster conference presentations, public speaking, and classes taught.
• Demonstrate a commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a U.S. DOE Q clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
• A Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with approaches and challenges of short-pulse laser acceleration of particle beams
• Experience leading or executing short-pulse laser experiments
• Experience with designing and deploying diagnostic instruments
• Knowledge and experience using radiography to interrogate experiments
• Experience with data analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or machine learning

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.

Work Schedule

This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

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

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

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.