NEN-1 Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks researchers to support the Safeguards Science and Technology organization, defending against misuse of nuclear materials and developing advanced detection methods.

The role emphasizes experimental R&D, data analytics, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with national security and industry partners, with a focus on publications, technical communication, and contributing to a dynamic, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed.
• Experience conducting experimental R&D in physical science or engineering.
• Strong publication record in nuclear engineering, physics, mechanical/electrical engineering, chemistry, material science, computer science, or related fields.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, evidenced by publications and a cover letter.
• Self-motivated, team-oriented, and able to interact with diverse organizations.

Skills

Experimental R&D

Data analytics

Publications

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in science or engineering

Recent completion (within 5 years)

Tools

Monte Carlo modeling

Job description

What You Will Do

Help support our National Security Mission and discover why we attract the best minds in the world! The Safeguards Science and Technology organization's purpose is to defend against state-actor misuse of nuclear materials by developing and testing new technologies for domestic and international safeguards and providing training for the safeguard's community.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experience conducting experimental R&D in physical science or engineering or demonstrated experience in implementing data analytics methods in diverse datasets.
• Strong publication record in one or more of the following areas: nuclear engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, chemistry/chemical engineering, material science, computer science, or other closely related technical fields
• Excellent writing and communication skills, as evidenced by publications and the cover letter
• Self-motivated and with the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary research environment and interact successfully with a variety of research & development, and commercial organizations.
• Ph.D. in science, engineering or a closely related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.

Desired Qualifications

• LocateExpertise in a core nondestructive assay instrument or methodology used in safeguards, security, arms control, or nonproliferation verification.
• Ability to be innovative in leveraging skills (such as the analysis of large data sets or expertise in programming) to solve difficult technical problems.
• Demonstrated experience and in-depth understanding of quantitative measurements and uncertainty analysis for physical science or engineering, especially for radioactive or nuclear materials.
• Demonstrated experience in Monte Carlo modeling of NDA signatures for analyzing data, identifying outcomes, and instrument design. Demonstrated experience in material science and/or physical characterization methods.
• Demonstrated ability to teach technical concepts and methods to audiences of varied backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully across various cultures and countries.
• Ability to obtain a Q Clearance which 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.

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

Cover Letter: In addition to the resume or CV, you must include a cover letter addressing each of the minimum job requirements and desired skills. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: educational background, degree dates, GPA with scale; work experience; competitive honors; relevant extracurricular activities; peer-reviewed publications; non-peer-reviewed publications; references. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. 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.

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.