Post-Bachelor's Research Assistant - Space Remote Sensing and Data Science

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Life insurance

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a post-bachelor's Research Assistant in Space Remote Sensing and Data Science. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on remote-sensing, data science, image and signal processing, and machine learning projects, with responsibilities tailored to your background.

You will support data collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation from space to laboratory remote-sensing systems, applying computational techniques to scientific challenges.

Qualifications

• Must have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) within the last 3 years in an appropriate field.
• Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• General experience in scientific computing, data analysis, or algorithm development.
• Experience with one or more programming languages.
• Willingness to develop new skills and contribute to collaborative research projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and communicate research results effectively.
• Interest in applying problem-solving skills to remote sensing and data science challenges.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and applying algorithms to process and analyze sensor data (including images, spectra, time series, or other types).
• Support statistical, mathematical, or computational methods to address detection and characterization problems.
• Help model sources, sensors, and measurement uncertainties.
• Participate in analyzing and interpreting experimental or field-collected data.
• Contribute to the design or calibration of sensing systems and instruments under supervision.
• Participate in laboratory, field, or deployment activities to collect and evaluate remote-sensing data.
• Help communicate research findings through reports, presentations, publications, and teamwork.

Skills

Python

Scientific computing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

MATLAB

NumPy/SciPy

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is for a post-bachelor's research assistant in the Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. You will work closely with interdisciplinary teams on projects related to remote sensing, data science, image and signal processing, machine learning, and sensor data analysis. Responsibilities will be tailored to your background and interests, with opportunities to learn and contribute to innovative research and development.

As a research assistant, you will support the advancement of methods and technologies for collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting data from space, airborne, ground-based, and laboratory remote-sensing systems. Candidates should have general technical skills and an interest in applying computational and analytical techniques to scientific challenges.

In this role, you may:

• Assist in developing and applying algorithms to process and analyze sensor data (including images, spectra, time series, or other types)
• Support statistical, mathematical, or computational methods to address detection and characterization problems
• Help model sources, sensors, and measurement uncertainties
• Participate in analyzing and interpreting experimental or field-collected data
• Contribute to the design or calibration of sensing systems and instruments under supervision
• Participate in laboratory, field, or deployment activities to collect and evaluate remote-sensing data
• Help communicate research findings through reports, presentations, publications, and teamwork

Duration: One year with the possibility of an additional year.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• General experience in scientific computing, data analysis, or algorithm development
• Experience with one or more programming languages
• Willingness to develop new skills and contribute to collaborative research projects
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and communicate research results effectively
• Interest in applying problem-solving skills to remote sensing and data science challenges
• Enthusiasm for using modern AI/agentic systems to accelerate R&D

Education/Experience

• Must have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) within the last 3 years in an appropriate field,
• Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with image/signal processing, machine learning, statistical analysis, sensor systems, and/or scientific software
• Experience with experimental or field research, instrumentation, or data collection

Notes to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.

Work Schedule

Onsite/Hybrid: This position is located in Los Alamos, NM with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement (partially onsite/partially offsite) from a location within 2 hours ground commute of this location. Reporting onsite will be regularly required. Hybrid is at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice. Some interns may work a 9/80 schedule at the discretion of management and in accordance with the Student Programs Office guidebook.

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.

Clearance

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). 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.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.