Postdoctoral Positions in Heliophysics

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 89,550 - 109,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO/HD)

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for two-year postdoctoral positions in heliophysics within the T-2 group of the Theoretical Division. Successful candidates will conduct cutting-edge research in plasma astrophysics, heliophysics, and related fields, with opportunities for collaboration across LANL and partner institutions.

The starting salary is $99,500, with salary progression based on experience. Candidates must have a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• PhD in space physics, plasma physics, astrophysics or closely related field by start of appointment.
• Experience with peer-reviewed publications and collaboration in large scientific teams.
• Experience presenting research in professional environments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to heliophysics research in the T-2 group.
• Collaborate with LANL and external researchers on project goals.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Publications record

Collaborative research

Scientific talks

Education

PhD in space physics/astrophysics/plasma physics

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 (LANL) invites applications for two-year postdoctoral positions in heliophysics to begin in Fall 2026. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in plasma astrophysics including heliophysics, plasma physics and astrophysics or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment, obtained no earlier than 5 years before the submission date of their applications.

Candidates working in any area of heliophysics are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following expertise:

• Acceleration and transport of energetic particles in space and astrophysical environments
• Particle-in-cell simulations and/or hybrid fluid-particle simulations
• Fokker-Planck diffusion models
• Wave-particle interaction and wave propagation
• Solar flare and solar energetic particle physics and modeling
• Energetic particles in the inner and outer heliosphere
• Radiation belt physics and models, and related space weather

We actively collaborate with colleagues across multiple groups and divisions at Los Alamos National Laboratory, as well as with researchers at universities and research institutions worldwide. Candidates with appropriate expertise and interest will also have opportunities to contribute to national security-related research.

LANL offers Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships (Curie, Feynman, Hoffman, Oppenheimer) and Director’s funded postdoc positions through a lab-wide competitive selection process. Exceptionally well qualified candidates will be sponsored to be considered for these Postdoctoral Fellowships.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Record of peer-reviewed publications in above or related research areas.
• Experience in a scientific research collaboration
• Experience giving scientific talks in professional environments.

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in space physics, plasma physics, astrophysics or closely related field obtained before the start of the postdoc appointment.

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.

Salary: Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $99,500.00 and increases with years of experience post Ph.D.

Note to Applicants: A complete application package will consist of a CV, research statement, a list of publications, and contact information for 3 references.

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.

For more information please contact: Fan Guo: [e-mail]

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.

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.

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.