Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Nuclear Physics

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Flexible schedules and PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, is seeking an outstanding experimental nuclear physicist to contribute to the NDSE diagnostic platform within the Advanced Diagnostics Development and Integration team.

The role focuses on developing subsystems, supporting deployment at NNSS, and performing applied nuclear physics research in the subcritical program; requires a PhD completed recently, strong detector background, and willingness to travel; U.S.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
• Strong background in radiation detection and experimental nuclear physics.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop subsystems for the NDSE diagnostic platform and support deployment at NNSS.
• Conduct applied nuclear physics research in support of the subcritical program.
• Present findings through publications and presentations.

Skills

Neutron detection

Gamma-ray detection

Charged particle detection

Education

PhD in nuclear physics, particle physics, nuclear engineering, or related fields

Tools

Geant4

MCNP

C++

Python

ROOT

Job description

What You Will Do

The successful candidate will work as part of the Advanced Diagnostics Development and Integration team within P-2, Applied and Fundamental Physics, at Los Alamos National Laboratory which is involved with a variety of applied nuclear physics related projects. This position is focused on supporting the development of the Neutron-Diagnosed Subcritical Experiment (NDSE) diagnostic platform. We are seeking an outstanding candidate with extensive experience in experimental nuclear physics and radiation detection to develop subsystems for the NDSE diagnostic platform, support deployment of the system at the NNSS, and perform applied nuclear physics research in support of the subcritical experimental program. The position is for two years, with a third year possible based on performance and funding.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Strong background in neutron, gamma-ray, or charged particle detection
• Experience working with particle/radiation transport simulations and performing data analysis
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrated ability of both verbal and written communication through scientific publications and presentations
• Willingness and capability for regular travel
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" clearance which typically requires US Citizenship

Education/Experience

PhD in nuclear physics, particle physics, nuclear engineering, or related fields completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications

• Significant experience in detector development and/or commissioning
• Experience working with, and developing, Geant4 or MCNP simulations
• Significant experience with programming C++/Python and familiarity with ROOT
• Significant experience with statistical data analysis techniques

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

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.

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a CV/resume and a detailed cover letter addressing how their experience relates to the required and desired skills as applicable, as well as contact information for 3 academic/research references. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. Provided references will not be contacted without permission from the applicant. For additional information please contact Timothy Rinn at [e-mail].

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: 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.

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.