Ion Source Beam Physicist 2/3 (Scientist 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 106,400 - 215,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) matching

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a Scientist 2/3 for their Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. Candidates will lead in H⁺ and H⁻ ion source technologies, with competitive salaries ranging from $106,400 to $215,900 depending on experience level. This role requires a strong background in ion accelerator system design, with an emphasis on collaboration with computational scientists and effective communication. Benefits include comprehensive medical insurance and a robust retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 4 years of relevant experience for Scientist 2 or 6 years for Scientist 3.
• Experience in meeting customer expectations in a research organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in H⁺ and H⁻ ion source technology.
• Design and operate ion accelerator systems.
• Lead proposals and develop new projects in your area of expertise.

Skills

Design, construction and operation of RF‑driven H⁻ sources

Working with computational scientists on simulations of RF‑driven sources

Development of technical programs

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Master's degree in a STEM field

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division Applied Electrodynamics (AOT-AE) group is seeking a Scientist 2/3 to provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in all aspects of H⁺ and H⁻ ion source technology, development, and operation. This position will be funded by the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP) and will require the candidate to engage in experimental and developmental activities, including operation and oversight of various test stands associated with LAMP.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Scientist 2 ($106,400–$176,000)

The selected Scientist 2 will provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in one or more of the following areas:

• Design, construction and operation of RF‑driven H⁻ sources, such as SNS‑type sources;
• Design, construction and operation of RF‑driven H⁺ sources, e.g. ECR‑type sources; and
• Design and operation of accelerators incorporating H⁺ or H⁻ ion sources and radiofrequency quadrupoles.

Scientist 3 ($128,000–$215,900)

The selected Scientist 3 will provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in one or more of the following areas:

• Working with computational scientists on simulations of RF‑driven H⁻ sources, such as SNS‑type sources;
• Working with computational scientists on simulations of RF‑driven H⁺ sources, e.g. ECR‑type sources; and
• Design and optimization of ion accelerators incorporating H⁺ or H⁻ ion sources, radiofrequency quadrupoles, drift‑tube linacs, and RF accelerating structures.
• Development of new projects and leading proposals in their area of expertise.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in design, construction and installation of ion sources and test facilities similar to those required to demonstrate key operating parameters of the LAMP ion source.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding the expectations of customers and stakeholders in a research organization focused on particle accelerators and in meeting commitments and deliverables.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills, with both internal and external collaborators and sponsors.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3 level:

• Demonstrated ability to design ion accelerator systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technical programs in partnership with others.

Education / Experience

Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s or a PhD.

Level 3: Position requires a Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage, either directly or matrixed, a small group of scientists, engineers, technologists and technicians.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budget for a research project.
• Demonstrated success in setting priorities for and leading efficient, graded implementation of safety, security and safeguards, environmental management, and other core Laboratory business requirements.

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.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

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
• 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)

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

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.