Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Modeling

Los Alamos National Security LLC

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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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) matching
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off
Onsite gyms and wellness programs
Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Los Alamos, NM to contribute to groundbreaking research in radiation detection and nuclear sensing. Successful candidates will analyze experimental measurements, develop simulations, and improve detection algorithms. A Ph.D. in physics or related field is required. This role offers an opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team on national security programs in a vibrant location that includes excellent benefits like healthcare and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

  • Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Experience with radiation transport simulation tools.
  • Programming experience in C++, Python, or similar languages.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research in radiation detection and analysis.
  • Analyze experimental radiation measurements and simulations.
  • Collaborate with teams on detector characterization.

Skills

Collaborative work in multidisciplinary teams
Radiation transport simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Geant4, MCNP)
Programming in C++, Python, or similar
Effective communication
Technical documentation practices

Education

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

Tools

Geant4
MCNP

Job description

What You Will Do

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 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 systems analysis in close collaboration with engineering partners.

The successful candidate will conduct research in radiation detection with emphasis on radiation data analysis and radiation transport modeling. Responsibilities include analyzing experimental radiation measurements, developing radiation transport simulations, and comparing detector data with simulated detector response.

Candidates with experience in radiation detector physics, radiation transport simulations, or experimental radiation measurements are especially encouraged to apply.

Research areas may include:
  • Modeling radiation detector response to x‑ray, gamma‑ray, and neutron sources in space
  • Development of analysis methods for identifying and characterizing radiation sources using detector measurements
  • Simulation and validation of detector performance using radiation transport codes (e.g., Geant4, MCNP)
  • Cross‑comparison of simulated and experimental radiation measurements to improve detection algorithms and system performance

Opportunities may exist to compare simulation results with experimental detector measurements and to collaborate with teams performing detector characterization. This position provides the opportunity to work on challenging radiation sensing problems supporting national security and space missions alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers across ISR and other LANL divisions.

What You Need
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 clearance. 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; obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Depending on 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 is ultimately a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

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 (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.

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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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