Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Modeling

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

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with employer match

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on national security programs related to radiation detection and nuclear sensing. Responsibilities include conducting research, developing radiation transport simulations, and collaborating with engineering teams. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, nuclear engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years. Desired qualifications include familiarity with space radiation environments. This position is on-site in Los Alamos, NM, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with radiation transport simulation tools.
• Proficient in programming (C++, Python).
• Effective communication skills (written and oral).
• Strong documentation and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in radiation detection and analysis.
• Develop radiation transport simulations.
• Collaborate with engineering on detector development.
• Analyze experimental radiation measurements.
• Validate detector performance using simulations.

Skills

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Experience with radiation transport simulation

Programming in C++

Strong communication skills

Technical documentation practices

Education

Ph.D. in physics, nuclear engineering, or related field

Tools

Geant4

MCNP

Job description

The Space Nuclear Sensing Group (ISR-8) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to national security programs involving radiation detection and nuclear sensing.

What You Will Do

• Conduct research in radiation detection with emphasis on data analysis and transport modeling.
• Analyze experimental radiation measurements.
• Develop radiation transport simulations.
• Compare detector data with simulated responses.
• Collaborate with engineering partners on detector development, radiation transport modeling, and mission systems analysis.

Research Areas

• Modeling detector response to x‑ray, gamma‑ray, and neutron sources in space.
• Developing analysis methods for identifying and characterizing radiation sources using detector measurements.
• Simulating and validating detector performance using transport codes (e.g., Geant4, MCNP).
• Cross‑comparing simulated and experimental measurements to improve detection algorithms and performance.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience with radiation transport simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Geant4, MCNP).
• Programming experience in C++, Python, or similar scientific computing languages.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Strong technical documentation and record‑keeping practices.

Education/Experience

Ph.D. in physics, nuclear engineering, or a closely related field completed within the past five years (no earlier than March 2021).

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the space radiation environment or space‑based radiation sensing.

Clearance

Q (Required). Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Work Location

The work location is onsite, Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions, certain citizens may be prohibited from accessing the facility.

Where You Will Work

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution. Benefits include:

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 6% match plus 3.5% annually.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius).

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 contact [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.