NPAC Theory Group Lead: Shape the Future of Physics

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; Full time

Job description

About the Position

The Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (NPAC) Group in Theoretical Division provides leadership on theoretical and applied nuclear physics, particle physics, plasma astrophysics and planetary formation, and their intersections. The group has a budget of approximately $25M and includes ~20 staff scientists and ~15 postdoctoral fellows, and provides laboratory, national and international leadership in NPAC science.

Responsibilities

The group leader will develop and maintain a strong and diverse scientific effort in NPAC theory, including recruiting outstanding scientists to LANL and developing opportunities to support this science. T-2 has a strong tradition of recruiting and developing early career scientists into technical and scientific leadership roles. The group is funded in large part by support from DOE applied programs, Office of Science, NASA and laboratory LDRD. The group maintains very strong ties with LANL, national, and international efforts in experimental NPAC science, including both basic science (medium energy and heavy‑ion research; neutrino physics including accelerator experiments and neutrinoless double beta decay; fundamental physics with neutrons pursued at LANL and at ORNL) and nuclear data and applied nuclear science (including fission and other experiments at LANSCE and experiments at NIF). T-2 also has very strong efforts in computational science, including research in lattice QCD, nuclear structure and reactions, and astrophysics including space physics and planet formation. Recently T-2 has successfully pursued new opportunities in quantum computing funded in part by DARPA and Office of Science. These efforts and others are closely related to broader efforts in Theoretical Division as a whole. The group leader's responsibilities include management of the group, working with the division management, promoting and maintaining fruitful scientific interactions with organizations at LANL working on NPAC, working with staff scientists to recruit and develop outstanding new scientific talent, to help develop new opportunities to support this research, and to develop the careers of graduate students, postdocs, and staff. The group leader must also conduct an active and vibrant research program at approximately 50% time effort.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in one or more of the research areas described above; the ability to contribute technically to one or more group projects, and the ability to develop programs in associated technical areas.
• Effective and successful leadership experience, preferably in a scientific or technical team, group, or project setting.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, supervising, and facilitating the technical work of scientific researchers at all levels.
• Effective communication skills, which includes, for example, an ability to engage in technical conversations across disciplines, an ability to discuss program strategies with current and potential sponsors, an ability to delegate tasks to staff and administrators, and an ability to interact with all levels of Laboratory management.

Education and Experience

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Research experience in theoretical or computational nuclear, particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, or closely related fields is strongly preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience building collaborative relationships across group, division, laboratory, and national boundaries.
• Experience proposing, developing, and sustaining research programs.
• Demonstrated record of recruitment and mentoring of excellent scientists.
• Active Q Clearance

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.

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)

Security Clearance

Clearance: Q. 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.

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.