Advanced Laser Diagnostics Scientist (Scientist 1/2)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 1/Scientist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Focused Experiments Group in the Dynamic Experimentation (M) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory are national leaders in conducting dynamic experiments, often driven by high explosives, that require a variety of advanced measurement techniques to diagnose. Diagnostics include multiple views of low-energy x-ray radiography, Photon Doppler velocimetry, and optical techniques, including high-speed framing cameras used to extract various quantities of interest.

The successful candidate will participate in research and development to drive forward the state-of-the-art in one or more of these areas:

Scientist 1 $96,600 - $158,000

• Developing, designing and fielding optical diagnostics that are effective in these extreme environments;
• Analysis of data that are collected from these diagnostics; and
• Application of these techniques to shed insight into complex physical phenomena that these experiments elucidate, typically involving the behavior of materials under dynamic loading conditions, e.g., high strain rates, deformation, fracture.

Scientist 2 $106,400 - $176,000

• Experience with data science tools and methods for analysis and interpretation of data (for example, Python and/or C/C++).
• An in depth understanding and background in dynamic experiments and high explosives. Experience integrating and working within a team and interfacing with a user community.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience with optical measurement systems and with working with lasers in a safe manner.
• Knowledge of fiber optic telecommunications technology to include lasers, couplers, fiber connectors, optical circulators, detectors, optical switches, and laser amplifiers.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental data acquisition instruments and hardware such as oscilloscopes, digitizers, delay generators, pressure sensors, and microcontrollers, and a willingness to learn how to field diagnostics at a firing site.
• Experience working safely to a set of defined requirements and regulations for moderate- and high-hazard environments (e.g. high explosive/radiation safety, high voltage safety).
• Proficiency with basic computer programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work and interact effectively in a dynamic team environment.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 2:
In addition to what was outlined at the Scientist 1 level, at this level experience with data science tools and methods for analysis and interpretation of data (for example, Python and/or C/C++). Mentor junior staff and peers in technical and professional growth. Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly in written and oral communications such as contributions to scientific reports and papers in peer reviewed science journals and presentations to colleagues.

Education/Experience at Diagnostics Scientist 1 level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university related to the occupation. Up to 2 years of related experience may be desired.

Education/Experience at Diagnostics Scientist 2 level: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience building optical and laser-based diagnostic systems
• Experience in designing, analyzing and/or conducting experiments.
• Knowledge of AC and DC electrical circuits including knowledge of basic electrical network behavior, electronic signal characteristics, levels, noise immunity, transmission limitations, and ground loops.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., Solidworks, CREO, etc.).
• Experience with fisheye probe assembly and fielding.
• Expertise assembling, fielding, and troubleshooting Multiplexed Photon Doppler Velocimetry (MPDV), Modulation Based Ranging (MBR), Chirped Fiber Bragg Gratings (CFBG), and diagnostic methods for continuous detonation wave tracking.
• Experience working in moderate to high hazard environments with a high level of operational formality
• Graduate research work preferred in the following related fields: Physics, Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Active DOE Q Clearance or equivalent.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Peripheral vision depth perception, reading vision, distance vision, ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to smell ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down, typing or keyboarding, fine motor control, use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet, lifting 1-5 pounds, lifting 5-10 pounds, carrying 1-5 pounds carrying 5-10 pounds, outdoors, operation of motor vehicles, work under unusual lighting conditions, work near electrical power supplies, work near sources of non-ionizing radiation, safety glasses or eye protection, hearing protection, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective foot gear.

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 2 years.

Note to Applicants:

In addition to a resume, please submit a cover letter addressing how you meet each of the qualifications listed for this position.

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 (paid sick, vacation, 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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

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.