Nuclear Weapons Physics Postdoc

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a motivated researcher for its nuclear weapons design division. The successful candidate will collaborate on simulations and experimental designs to enhance national security, requiring a Ph.D. and strong interest in physics. The role emphasizes teamwork and effective communication, with a rewarding benefits package.

Benefits

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) plan (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last 5 years or will be by appointment.
• Strong background in numerical methods and computational physics.
• Experience in experimental design leadership.

Responsibilities

• Work with XTD researchers in hydrodynamics, plasma physics.
• Analyze experimental data and design new experiments.
• Collaborate with LANL scientists and external researchers.

Skills

Numerical methods

Computational physics

Effective communication

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, nuclear or mechanical engineering, material science

Tools

UNIX/Linux operating system

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

Join our world-class team! Now is your chance to make a difference in supporting our national security mission. XTD is the nuclear weapons design division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). We use sophisticated multi-physics simulations on high-performance supercomputers to ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent and assess global nuclear threats. We are staffed by scientists and engineers who come from a variety of disciplines, including physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, nuclear and mechanical engineering, and material science.

The successful candidate will work with XTD researchers in areas such as hydrodynamics, non- linear fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and dynamic material properties. This research will typically use computational tools to analyze experimental data, design new experiments, and advance the state-of-the art in modeling and simulation. The successful candidate will collaborate with LANL scientists and engineers, as well as scientists at other laboratories and universities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge:

You must have an interest in learning a broad range of physics. As well as knowledge of or ability to learn, the UNIX/Linux operating system, scripting languages such as python, and open-source and commercial scientific tools. You must have a working knowledge of numerical methods and computational physics.

Communication:

For this role, you must have the ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, interpersonally and to large audiences. A penchant for publishing at all levels ranging from open archival journals to internal laboratory reports and memoranda.

Collaboration:

It is important that you have the ability to provide experimental design leadership while effectively collaborating across the spectrum of scientists, engineers, managers, administrators, and laboratories/universities.

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, nuclear or mechanical engineering, material science, or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment. Applications from candidates who will earn their degree by the time of appointment are accepted.

Desired Qualifications:

• Expertise in numerical methods, methods analysis, computational physics and software.
• Experience leading or supporting experiments.

Note to Applicants:

Please attach a resume and a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills. Please note that without a resume and cover letter your application will not be considered.

Note to Applicants:

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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 opt. 3.