Experimental Nuclear Physics Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nationwide medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

A leading national laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, seeks postdoctoral researchers to work on neutron-induced reactions. Responsibilities include performing measurements and analyses with advanced instrumentation. The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in nuclear physics and strong collaboration and communication skills. The role supports research in nuclear astrophysics, collaborating with expert teams, and may lead to prestigious fellowships. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in nuclear physics, particle physics, or related fields.
• Ability to carry out independent research and collaborate effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform measurements and analysis with various neutron science instruments.
• Collaborate with theory groups and modeling teams on nuclear applications.
• Contribute to research in nuclear astrophysics and structure.

Skills

Independent research

Collaboration

Communication skills

Simulation tools

Detector development

Education

Ph.D. in nuclear physics or related field

Tools

Monte Carlo simulation tools

Unix/Linux

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

The low-energy nuclear physics team (P-3) in LANL's Physics Division is looking for two or more postdoctoral researchers to work on direct and indirect measurements of neutron-induced reactions. The successful candidate will perform measurements, analysis, and/or development with the suite of instruments located at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), including the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE), the Low‑Energy (n,Z) (LENZ) Instrument, the Chi‑Nu Prompt Fission Neutron Instrument, the Correlated Gamma‑Neutron Array for cCattering (CoGNAC), the Spatially REsolved Fission Tracker and TPC (SREFT), the SPecrometer for Ion DEtermination Research (SPIDER), and the Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER). These instruments exploit the unique time‑of‑flight neutron beams at LANSCE, produced via spallation and covering incident neutron energies from sub‑thermal to 800 MeV. New capabilities are under development, including a novel Neutron Target Facility for inverse‑kinematics measurements and current opportunities with the Neutron Target Demonstrator and ASTRA facility. Experimental campaigns also occur at other university‑based and national laboratory accelerator facilities.

Research areas in the group include studies of nuclear astrophysics (s‑process, r‑process, heavy‑element synthesis), nuclear structure (gamma‑ray spectroscopy, level density, photon strength function), nuclear reactions, and fission process studies. The group collaborates closely with LANL’s Theory Division, nuclear physics and astrophysics theory groups, and rad‑hydro modeling teams in nuclear applications. Opportunities for collaboration outside of P‑3 include work with nuclear engineers on spallation physics applications, radiochemists on radioactive target fabrication, and groups developing simulations for real‑world applications.

Highly qualified applicants will be considered for Director’s or Agnew National Security Postdoctoral Fellowships, and exceptional candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear engineering, or related fields.
• Ability to carry out independent research and collaborate effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Desired Qualifications (not all required)

• Experience with particle or gamma‑ray detector development or implementation.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation tools for particle/gamma‑ray modeling.
• Experience with nuclear reaction models.
• Experience with detector electronics and data‑acquisition design.
• Experience with numerical methods or computational physics.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux and scripting languages (e.g., Python).
• Experience or expertise with machine‑learning approaches.

Education: A Ph.D. in physics or a related field completed within the last five years (or soon to be completed) is required. Exceptions can be made; please inquire if relevant.

Work Environment

Work location: onsite, Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution dedicated to strategic science for national security.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with nationwide coverage.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages for distances beyond 50 mi.

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, 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 committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.