Postdoc: Extreme-Conditions Shock Physics & Materials

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

What You Will Do

The Shock & Detonation Physics Group (M-9) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has openings for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates. Our work utilizes dynamic drivers (explosives, single‑ and two‑stage gas guns, lasers) and static high pressures (diamond anvil cells, Paris‑Edinburgh presses) to study fundamental physics and chemistry of relevance to the behavior of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures. We also perform experiments at synchrotron and free electron laser user facilities such as the Dynamic Compression Sector and the High Pressure Collaborative Access Team (HPCAT) at the Advanced Photon Source, the Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC, Sandia’s Z‑machine, DESY, and the European XFEL. Our research informs multiscale models for equations of state used in the DOE’s science‑based stockpile modernization assessment. Potential research areas include:

• Equations of state and detonation properties of high explosives
• Equations of state and phase changes of inert materials, such as polymers, foams, ceramics, and metals
• Novel measurements and diagnostic development capable of elucidating material properties under single‑event dynamic loading conditions

The postdoctoral program at LANL enables successful candidates to tailor the direction of their research projects to best align with their background and interests, as well as the needs of our programmatic sponsors.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Safety Practice – Demonstrated ability to work safely and productively in a fast‑paced team setting with minimal supervision.
• Experimental Scientific Research – Experience in experimental scientific research and development.
• Communication – Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, and experience interacting with personnel at all levels.
• Clearance – Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Department of Energy (DOE) Q Clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
• Education – A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, or a closely‑related field earned within five years of the anticipated start date.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with dynamic experiments or high‑strain‑rate mechanics.
• Experience performing research on high explosive materials.
• Experience as a user at facilities such as synchrotrons or XFELs.
• Experience with velocimetry, high‑speed imaging, pyrometry, X‑ray, or laser‑based diagnostics.
• Experience using oscilloscopes and instrumentation to acquire short‑duration, single‑occurrence events.
• Experience with computer programming languages for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python).
• Active DOE Q clearance (or equivalent).

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Appointment Details

The initial appointment will be for a period of two years and will be renewable for a third year contingent upon progress and funding availability. Successful applicant(s) will also be considered for prestigious Director’s Funded and named Fellowships at LANL.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• 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. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Q Clearance – Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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.