Fiber Optic Sensing Post-Master's Student

What You Will Do

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division (EES-17) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Post-Master's Student to join a multidisciplinary research team developing advanced sensing and signal processing techniques for geophysical and national security applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on characterizing energetic phenomena using advanced sensor technologies, including fiber optic sensing. Research activities span laboratory experiments, field deployments, and computational analysis, providing opportunities to work on projects ranging from experimental design and data collection to algorithm development and scientific interpretation.

The selected candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers to develop software for processing large scientific datasets, apply digital signal processing and machine learning techniques to detect and characterize signals, and participate in laboratory and field experiments. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while gaining hands-on experience with advanced sensing technologies and real-world data acquisition.

• Develop Python software to process, visualize, and analyze large scientific dataset from energetic experiments and geophysical monitoring campaigns.
• Apply digital signal processing, statistical methods, and machine learning techniques to detect, locate, and characterize signals.
• Develop and evaluate algorithms for scientific data analysis and event detection.
• Assist with laboratory experiments and field deployments, including sensor installation, data acquisition, and experimental setup.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers from multiple disciplines to solve challenging sensing problems.
• Present research results through technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Education/Experience: Recently completed a Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.



Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with experimental measurements or field data collection.
• Strong programming experience with scientific Python (preferred) or in Matlab.
• Coursework or experience in digital signal processing, time series analysis, machine learning, or scientific computing.
• Experience with Linux and Git.
• Experience or coursework in optics, sensor systems, or geophysics.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively on a collaborative research team.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

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:

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.

Anticipated travel to field sites at Los Alamos National Laboratory and within the United States.

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:

• A current resumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
• An unofficial transcript
• A brief statement of interest (1 page or less) describing your background, research interests, programming experience, and why you are interested in this position
• Contact information for two to three professional or academic references
• Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early

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.

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Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
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Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
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If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.