Senior Nuclear Diagnostics and Imaging Physicist (Scientist 3/4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 128,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules / PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a senior scientist to lead nuclear diagnostics and imaging for ICF/HED experiments in the P-4 group. The role focuses on defining vision, guiding diagnostic development, and translating program needs into actionable capabilities at NIF, Omega, and related facilities.

The successful candidate will mentor junior staff, collaborate with experimental, theoretical, and computational teams, and help shape LANL’s national program in burning plasma science.

Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear imaging and plasma diagnostics with data analysis and ML.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and lead projects.
• Proven track record of quality research and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D in nuclear diagnostics and imaging for ICF/HED experiments.
• Develop and refine diagnostic systems, design experiments, analyze data.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with experimental/theoretical teams.
• Represent LANL in national planning and sponsor discussions.

Skills

nuclear imaging

plasma diagnostics

multidisciplinary collaboration

leadership

communication

DOE Q eligibility

mentoring junior staff

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

MCNP

Geant4

data analysis tools

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory performs world‑class research in high‑energy‑density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and discovery plasma science. The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group (P-4) is seeking an exceptional senior scientist at the Scientist 3 or Scientist 4 level to provide scientific leadership in nuclear diagnostics and nuclear imaging for ICF and HED physics.

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory performs world‑class research in high‑energy‑density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and discovery plasma science. The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group (P-4) is seeking an exceptional senior scientist at the Scientist 3 or Scientist 4 level to provide scientific leadership in nuclear diagnostics and nuclear imaging for ICF and HED physics.

Nuclear diagnostics are central to understanding the most extreme plasma conditions produced in the laboratory. Measurements of neutrons, gamma rays, charged particles, and related nuclear signatures provide direct insight into implosion performance, fuel assembly, areal density, instability growth, mix, burn dynamics, and other key phenomena in ICF and HED experiments. As the national ICF enterprise advances into a new era of burning and igniting plasmas, the need for innovative, robust, and high‑fidelity nuclear diagnostic capabilities is growing rapidly.

The P-4 Group currently emphasizes HEDP and ICF research in four areas. 1) Double shell implosions are a route to achieving volume ignition for the study of thermonuclear burn. 2) Nuclear diagnostics such as gamma and neutron detector systems deployed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) enable us to study the conditions inside those burning plasmas. 3) Radiation flow and opacity experiments describe how radiation is transported in ICF targets and through astrophysical structures. 4) A fourth area of research is the creation of bright sources of x-rays and particles using high‑intensity laser‑matter interactions. These topical research areas are advanced by conducting experiments at the NIF, the Omega laser facility, the Z pulsed power facility, and the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS).

This position is for a Senior Scientist who will help define and lead the future of LANL's nuclear diagnostics and nuclear imaging capabilities. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to refine existing diagnostic systems, develop measurement capabilities, and advance novel techniques and analysis methods for ICF and HED experiments at NIF and other major facilities.

The successful candidate will provide scientific vision for diagnostic development in support of current and future program needs. This includes identifying emerging measurement requirements, connecting diagnostic capabilities to high-priority physics questions, and working closely with experimental teams, target designers, theorists, computational scientists, and program leadership to ensure that diagnostic data enables advances in burning plasma and HED science.

The role will include leadership of diagnostic development relevant to instability growth in multi-shell ICF implosions, nuclear imaging of burning plasma systems, neutron and gamma measurements, and other nuclear signatures of implosion performance. The candidate will help translate experimental and programmatic needs into diagnostic strategies, guide the development and deployment of new systems, and connect measured data to the scientific understanding it enables.

The successful candidate will also represent LANL's nuclear diagnostics capabilities and priorities in national ICF and HED planning activities. This includes working with partner laboratories, user facilities, program leadership, and federal sponsors to help shape the future direction of nuclear diagnostic development and to ensure that LANL plays a strong national role in this strategically important area.

In addition, the candidate will serve as a mentor and scientific guide for a growing team of junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, students, engineers, and technologists. The successful candidate will help build long‑term LANL capability in nuclear diagnostics through mentorship, education, technical leadership, and strategic planning.

This position offers the opportunity to lead a growing and nationally important area of ICF science, shape the next generation of nuclear diagnostics, and strengthen LANL's role in the national HED and ICF enterprise. The specific hiring level will depend on the qualifications and accomplishments of the selected applicant.

Scientist 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)

Scientist 3 is responsible for leading scientific or technical research and development (R&D) in nuclear diagnostics and nuclear imaging for ICF/HED experiments. Responsibilities may include developing and refining diagnostic systems, designing and executing experiments, analyzing nuclear diagnostic data, and collaborating with experimental, theoretical, and computational teams to advance understanding of burning plasma systems. The Scientist 3 will provide technical leadership within the team, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the development of future diagnostic capabilities aligned with LANL program needs.

Scientist 4 ($153,600 - $266,500)

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level, the selected candidate will provide broad scientific leadership for LANL's nuclear diagnostics and nuclear imaging activities. Responsibilities may include defining a strategic vision for future diagnostic development, leading multidisciplinary teams, integrating diagnostic capabilities with national ICF/HED program priorities, and translating emerging scientific and sponsor needs into technical objectives. Scientist 4 will be expected to represent LANL in national planning activities, communicate LANL diagnostic capabilities and priorities to federal sponsors and partner institutions, and guide the long‑term growth of LANL's nuclear diagnostics portfolio.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Substantial experience and/or knowledge in the research area of nuclear imaging and plasma diagnostics. This includes diagnostic development, data collection, data analysis, development of sophisticated data analysis tools, and machine learning.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse and multidisciplinary scientific research teams
• Demonstrated commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative. Demonstrated track record of delivering results.
• Ability to communicate technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to journal publications, technical reports, oral or poster conference presentations, public speaking, or classes taught.
• Demonstrated capacity to remain focused amid competing priorities and possess the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, while proactively mitigating issues as they emerge.
• Ability to influence organizational, project, and program strategies and directions. This includes making decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmatic objectives.
• Track record of leadership and mentoring junior staff.
• The ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 4

• Ability to provide technical and programmatic leadership to solve national technology grand challenges to further establish the team as the preeminent leader in the field of nuclear imaging science.
• Ability to provide ongoing meaningful technical mentorship to multiple junior staff.
• Experience in Program development, including interfacing with institutional and national leaders to establish programmatic goals, develop plans to meet those goals, and then drive the execution of the plans. Assist in securing budget.

Education/Experience Scientist 3

Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A PH. D is preferred

Education/Experience Scientist 4

Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 12 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A PH. D is preferred

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with approaches and challenges of High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
• Experience performing ICF or HED experiments on laser or pulsed-power driver facilities.
• Experience with MCNP or Geant4
• History of service to professional, educational, or community programs, including recruiting and outreach
• Broad knowledge of the NNSA complex and its programs
• Active DOE Q Clearance

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.

Position commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

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 maternity 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.

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.