Postdoctoral Associate in Nuclear Theory

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for postdoctoral positions in Nuclear Theory within the T-2 group of the Theoretical Division, to begin Fall 2027. A Ph.D.

in nuclear theory or closely related field by appointment start is required, with eligibility no earlier than five years before the due date. Candidates are expected to conduct independent and collaborative research across topics including effective theories, QCD, nuclear structure, and related areas, and to present results

Qualifications

• Established research record in nuclear theory or closely related areas.
• PhD in nuclear or particle theory by the start of the appointment.
• Ability to conduct research in a collaborative environment and present results in papers and talks.

Skills

Collaborative research

Scientific communication

Publication record

Education

PhD in nuclear/particle theory

Job description

What You Will Do

The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for postdoctoral positions in Nuclear Theory to begin in Fall 2027. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in nuclear theory or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment, obtained no earlier than 5 years before the relevant due date below (i.e. Oct or Dec 2021)

The nuclear-theory team (J. Carlson, S. Gandolfi, E. Mereghetti, D. Neill, I. Tews, and I. Vitev), conducts research on a broad set of topics, including effective theories of strong and weak interactions, low-energy phenomenology within and beyond the Standard Model, neutrino physics and astrophysics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, heavy-ion physics and physics of the quark-gluon plasma, perturbative QCD, quantum few- and many-body systems, and quantum computing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence applied to these areas. Candidates working in all these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

Exceptionally well qualified candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship or Distinguished (Feynman/Oppenheimer/Hoffman) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Candidates wishing to be considered for these Fellowships must have all application materials submitted by Monday, October 5, 2026. For regular postdoctoral appointments, please submit by Monday December 14, 2026.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Established research record in the above categories or closely related areas. The ability to conduct research in a collaborative environment in nuclear theory, and present those results in both written papers and scientific talks.

Education/Experience

A Ph.D. in nuclear or particle theory or related field of study, obtained before the start of the appointment.

Work Environment

The T-2 group, beyond nuclear theory, works in plasma physics, applied nuclear theory, particle physics and astrophysics. The nuclear theory team works closely with both particle and applied nuclear physics groups. The Theoretical Division and LANL provides a stimulating scientific environment and opportunities for interdisciplinary science. Further, LANL has experimental efforts in nuclear and particle physics in the Physics Division closely related to the nuclear physics T-2 engages in. The nuclear theory team maintains close collaborations with these groups and throughout the Laboratory.

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

A complete application package will consist of a CV, research statement, a list of publications, and three letters of recommendation.

For eligibility and salary information, please see https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php.

Further Information

For further information please contact Duff Neill ([e-mail]) or Ingo Tews ([e-mail]).

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)

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.