Staff Scientist 2 in Nuclear Theory

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or HDHP medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Relocation assistance

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for an external staff scientist in the Nuclear Theory group. The role focuses on a broad spectrum of theoretical research within nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, and computational sciences.

Responsibilities include developing effective theories, applying quantum computing and ML to physics problems, collaborating with LANL researchers, producing high‑quality publications, and mentoring junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical physics or closely related field.
• Postdoctoral experience with a strong publication record.
• Ability to mentor junior researchers and present results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental research on strong/weak interactions and related areas.
• Apply quantum computing, machine learning, and AI to physics problems.
• Collaborate with LANL colleagues and external partners.
• Publish high-quality results and mentor junior researchers.
• Engage in interdisciplinary DOE and SciDAC initiatives.

Skills

Research excellence

Publications

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Doctoral degree in theoretical physics

Job description

Job Title: Staff Scientist – Nuclear Theory (T-2 Group)

Overview

The Nuclear Theory group in the T-2 division invites applications for an external staff scientist position focused on a broad spectrum of theoretical research within nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, and computational sciences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental research on effective theories of strong and weak interactions, low-energy phenomenology within and beyond the Standard Model, neutrino physics and astrophysics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, heavy-ion physics, physics of the quark–gluon plasma, perturbative QCD, and quantum few- and many-body systems.
• Apply quantum computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to nuclear physics problems.
• Collaborate with experimental nuclear physicists at LANL, national laboratories, and with computing and AI collaborators.
• Produce high‑quality publications, present results to technical audiences, and mentor junior researchers.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute to ongoing DOE Nuclear Theory collaborations, SciDAC projects, and quantum computing/quantum information initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in theoretical physics or a closely related field.
• Two or more years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated record of technical excellence and publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience presenting results to technical audiences and mentoring junior researchers.
• Ability to contribute to a wide range of basic research and mission‑science programs as priorities evolve.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong networking skills across disciplines (experimental, observational, or computational physics).
• Experience obtaining research funding and leading collaborative projects with academia, industry, or government agencies.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Familiarity with emerging computational paradigms, including classical HPC, ML/AI, and quantum computing.

Location

Los Alamos, New Mexico (on‑site)

Position Commitment

1 year

Benefits

• 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) plan with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• On‑site gyms and wellness programs
• Relocation assistance for distances beyond a 50‑mile radius

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.