Postdoctoral Researcher - Space Remote Sensing and Data Science

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6). You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on remote sensing, data science, image and signal processing, machine learning, and sensor data analysis.

The role focuses on advancing methods for collecting, processing, and interpreting data from space, airborne, ground-based, and laboratory remote-sensing systems.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or related field (or completed by start date).
• General experience in scientific computing, data analysis, or algorithm development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and communicate research results effectively.
• Demonstrated strong analytical problem-solving abilities in remote sensing and data science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply algorithms to process and analyze sensor data (images, spectra, time series, etc).
• Use statistical, mathematical, or computational methods to address detection and characterization problems.
• Model sources, sensors, and measurement uncertainties.
• Analyze and interpret experimental or field-collected data.
• Contribute to design or calibration of sensing systems and instruments.
• Participate in lab, field, or deployment activities to collect remote-sensing data.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, publications, and teamwork.

Skills

Scientific computing

Data analysis

Algorithm development

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or related field

Tools

Programming languages/tools

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is for a postdoctoral researcher in the Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The researcher will work closely with interdisciplinary teams on projects related to remote sensing, data science, image and signal processing, machine learning, and sensor data analysis. Responsibilities will be tailored to your background and interests, with opportunities to contribute to innovative research and development. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will help advance methods and technologies for collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting data from space, airborne, ground-based, and laboratory remote‑sensing systems. Candidates should have broad technical skills and an interest in applying computational and analytical techniques to scientific challenges.

In this role, you may contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Developing and applying algorithms to process and analyze sensor data (including images, spectra, time series, or other types)
• Using statistical, mathematical, or computational methods to address detection and characterization problems
• Modeling sources, sensors, and measurement uncertainties
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental or field‑collected data
• Contributing to the design or calibration of sensing systems and instruments
• Participating in laboratory, field, or deployment activities to collect and evaluate remote‑sensing data
• Communicating research findings through reports, presentations, publications, and teamwork

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• PhD in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or a related field (or will have completed by start date)
• General experience in scientific computing, data analysis, or algorithm development
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and communicate research results effectively
• Demonstrated strong analytical problem‑solving abilities to overcome technical challenges in remote sensing and data science

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with one or more areas such as image/signal processing, machine learning, statistical analysis, sensor systems, or scientific software
• Experience with programming languages or scientific computing tools
• Experience with experimental or field research, instrumentation, or data collection
• Willingness to develop new skills and contribute to collaborative research projects

Physical Requirements

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half‑mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments

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.

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.

Benefits

• 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. 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.

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.