Experimental Physics Postdoctoral Associate

What You Will Do

P-1 Dynamic Imaging and Radiography, part of the Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates to perform research in advanced scintillator manufacturing, testing, and imaging camera diagnostics.

LANL is an international leader in dynamic radiography in support of LANL's national security and stockpile modernization missions. P-1 operates the Los Alamos Proton Radiography Facility (pRad) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and is also part of a large team supporting x-ray radiography experiments at various LANL/DOE facilities. These facilities require ultrafast scintillators with high light yield to produce high detective quantum efficiency for neutral and charged particle detection.

The successful candidate will split their time on x-ray and proton radiography detector development in the following areas:

• Development of advanced scintillator and imaging detector systems for high-resolution and short decay time scintillators. This R&D effort may include detector characterization, design optimization, and implementation in dynamic experiments.
• Analysis and interpretation of dynamic radiographic data, including development of quantitative image-analysis methods, image reconstruction, and comparison with physics and hydrodynamic models.

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with a large team of staff members including engineers, technologists, technicians, and other scientists to conduct experiments for proton and x-ray radiography. They will have the opportunity to publish results to the international community and engage in career development by speaking in a variety of venues. They will join teams of other postdocs and staff members as well as university collaborators.

The Physics Division is a diverse group of experimental physicists, engineers, technicians, and students engaged in a range of fundamental and applied research in: nuclear physics within and beyond the Standard Model, weapons physics, remote sensing, fluid dynamics, and numerous other topics. We support a diverse program that includes scientists of many nationalities and backgrounds, participation in experiments worldwide, sponsorship of workshops and conferences, unclassified and classified experiments and analyses.

The LANL Postdoctoral Program is a pipeline for hiring technical staff at the Laboratory, many of whom first joined LANL as postdocs. The Laboratory encourages its postdoc mentors to help their postdocs explore possibilities for conversion to a permanent staff position.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


The successful candidate will have a strong background and publication record in experimental nuclear and particle physics, or closely related field. Evidence of good communication skills is also required.
Education: A PhD in experimental physics or related field is required.

Clearance: Ability to obtain a Q clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience with one or more of the following is not required but is desired:
• Experience in neutral or charged particle detection
• Image acquisition and analysis or high-speed imaging
• Particle detectors for nuclear and high energy physics
• Data analysis of nuclear and particle physics experiments
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis of waveforms
• Experience in shock physics experiments

Work Environment:

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:

A CV and cover letter addressing the minimum and desired skills in detail should be provided. Outstanding candidates may be considered for Director's Fellowships or Distinguished
Fellowships. For further technical information, please contact Dr. Kristina Montoya (kbmontoya@lanl.gov) and Dr. Zhaowen Tang (ztang@lanl.gov).

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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.Instructions on How to Activate / Create a LANL Jobs Account:

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