Experimental Nuclear Physics Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid leave and holidays

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Relocation assistance

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a postdoctoral research associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics within the Nuclear and Particle Physics and Applications Group (P-3), Physics Division. The role focuses on fundamental neutron physics using ultracold neutrons to test the Standard Model and explore new physics, participating in LANL’s UCNτ+ and nEDM efforts and related projects.

The successful candidate will join a team of postdocs and staff, contribute to apparatus development,

Qualifications

• Strong background and publication record in experimental nuclear and particle physics or a closely related field.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to technical or scientific problems.
• Ability to document methods, procedures, and results clearly, thoroughly, and in a timely manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, follow established procedures, and respect organizational responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to one or more of the LANL neutron physics efforts and lead specific research activities.
• Develop apparatus, perform experimental measurements, analyze data, or run simulations.
• Collaborate with postdocs, staff, and university partners and publish results.

Skills

Experimental nuclear physics

Experimental particle physics

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

PhD in experimental nuclear physics or related field

Tools

Ultracold neutron sources

Particle detectors

Simulation software

Job description

What You Will Do

The Nuclear and Particle Physics and Applications Group (P-3), Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral research associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics. In particular, we are seeking exceptional candidates to join us and work in the field of fundamental neutron physics, where neutrons are used as probes in precision experiments to test the Standard Model of particle physics and search for physics beyond it. LANL is leading major efforts in this field, operating a unique ultracold neutron source. Our current efforts include: (1) a measurement of the neutron lifetime using bottled ultra-cold neutrons (the UCNτ+ experiment), (2) development of a new room temperature experiment to search for the neutron electric dipole moment using the LANL ultracold neutron source (LANL nEDM experiment), (3) development of a new experiment to search for the 129Xe electric dipole moment, and (4) development of applications of ultracold neutrons to studies of material properties relevant to the Laboratory's mission.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to one or more of the efforts described above and lead specific research efforts within them, with responsibilities and scope tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications and to research needs. These efforts may include apparatus development, experimental measurements, data analysis, or simulation.

The successful candidate will join teams of other postdocs and staff members as well as university collaborators and will have the opportunity to publish results to the international community and engage in career development by speaking in a variety of venues. The P-3 group also carries out research in low-energy neutron-nuclear scattering; high-energy collider physics; and applications of machine learning / super intelligence to experimental physics design, control, and data analysis; while the Physics Division hosts a broad array of efforts and capabilities in fundamental and applied experimental physics, including neutrinos, fundamental symmetry tests, plasma physics, and applications of fundamental physics technologies and techniques to applied mission problems. Opportunities to collaborate in this broader spectrum of research are possible and encouraged.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Strong background and publication record in experimental nuclear and particle physics or a closely related field.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to technical or scientific problems.
• Ability to document methods, procedures, and results clearly, thoroughly, and in a timely manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, follow established procedures, and respect organizational responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications

• Precision measurements in atomic, nuclear, particle, or astroparticle physics
• Electric dipole moment experiments
• Experiments that use ultra-cold neutrons or cold neutrons
• Experience with ultracold neutron sources
• Particle detectors for nuclear and high energy physics
• Data analysis of nuclear and particle physics experiments
• Experience with high voltage systems
• Precision magnetometry
• Simulation and data analysis
• Particle transport simulation

Education

A PhD in experimental nuclear physics or related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed is required.

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.

Note to Applicants

For further technical information, please contact Dr. Takeyasu Ito at 505-606-1985 or [e-mail], or Dr. Steven Clayton at 505- 665-2827 or [e-mail].

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.

For general information go to https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

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.

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.

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.