Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching contributions

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to enhance national security programs through innovative radiation detection techniques. The role involves experimental research, focusing on detector characterization, measuring radiation, and analyzing data. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD, programming skills in Python or C++, and experience in experimental radiation detection. LANL offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in experimental radiation detection or detector characterization.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory or field experiments.
• Experience analyzing experimental data, including statistical methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research in radiation detection.
• Design and perform radiation measurements, and analyze data.
• Operate and test detector systems.

Skills

Experimental radiation detection

Data analysis

Programming in Python/C++

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Technical documentation

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Overview

The Space Nuclear Sensing Group (ISR-8) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to national security programs involving radiation detection and nuclear sensing. ISR-8 develops radiation sensing technologies, instrumentation, and physics-based interpretation for x-ray, gamma-ray, and neutron detection in support of national security and space science missions. The group performs detector development, radiation transport modeling, and end-to-end mission analysis in close collaboration with engineering partners. The successful candidate will conduct experimental research in radiation detection with emphasis on detector characterization, experimental measurements, and data analysis. Responsibilities include designing and performing radiation measurements, operating and testing detector systems, and analyzing experimental data to evaluate detector performance. Candidates with experience in radiation detector systems, experimental measurements, or radiation data analysis are especially encouraged to apply.

Research areas

• Experimental characterization of radiation detectors for x-ray, gamma-ray, and neutron sensing

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in experimental radiation detection or detector characterization
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory or field experiments
• Experience analyzing experimental data, including statistical methods
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar scientific computing languages
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally
• Strong technical documentation and record-keeping practices

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with x-ray, gamma-ray, or neutron detection systems
• Experience with detector electronics, data acquisition systems, or instrumentation
• Familiarity with the space radiation environment or space-based sensing

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.

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

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.

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.