Computational Physics Post-Doc Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Analysis Skills, Beam Physics, Communication Skills, Computational Physics, Cross-Functional, Dental Insurance, Electrical Engineering, Laboratory, Mentoring, Nuclear Engineering, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Plasma, Predictive Modeling, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Radiography, Research Skills, Scientific Publications, Simulation, Team Player, Testing, Tuition Fees, Typing, United States Citizen, Vision Plan, Web Programming

LOCATION

Los Alamos, NM

POSTED

30+ days ago

What You Will Do

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J-6) Group, within the Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join our team and contribute to important challenges relevant to intense relativistic electron beams. This position focuses on advanced research in beam-target and plasma interaction physics, with an emphasis on high-fidelity simulation and experiment integration.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with experienced mentors and a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers on projects that include:

Validation of particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations with DARHT experimental data
Development of predictive modeling capabilities for beam/plasma interactions
Design and optimization of diagnostics for beam/plasma experiments
Simulation and analysis of beam transport for existing beamline upgrades and next-generation designs

J-6 is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and advancement of the DARHT accelerators-critical assets supporting Los Alamos National Laboratory's hydrodynamic testing mission. The group's expertise spans accelerator physics, pulsed power systems, and radiographic science, offering a uniquely rich and collaborative research environment.

As a member of the DARHT Physics Team, you will engage with leading experts across multiple disciplines, contribute to cutting-edge computational and experimental efforts, and play a key role in advancing the state of the art for intense beam physics. The position offers opportunities for both independent research and impactful teamwork in support of mission-critical national security objectives.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Demonstrated skills in particle beam transport and/or plasma theory.
Excellent scientific record of publications.
The ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment.
Self-motivated and independent researcher who has demonstrated experience as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship

Education/Experience: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, or Similar (completed within the last 5 years).

Desired Qualifications:

Experience modeling dense plasma
Experience with particle-in-cell methods
Experience simulating and/or designing charged particle transport beamlines
Familiarity with Python and/or C

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Typing or keyboarding, lifting 5-10 pounds, Carrying 5-10 pounds.

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:

Please apply for the position online. The position has an initial appointment of two years. Additional information on salary ranges and other benefits can be found online at http://www.lanl.gov/postdocs/.

Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.

Candidates may be considered for fellowships. For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program webpage.

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.

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.

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 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.

About the Company

Los Alamos National Laboratory

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