Artificial Intelligence (AI), Communication Skills, Dental Insurance, Funding, Government, Laboratory, Leadership, Mentoring, Nuclear Physics, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Quantum Computing, Scientific Research, T-2 / DS2, Technical Presentation, Tuition Fees, United States Department of Energy (DOE), Vision Plan
This position is open for external candidates only to apply
The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) invites applications for a staff scientist position in Nuclear Theory. The nuclear-theory team conducts research on a broad set of topics, including 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 and physics of the quark-gluon plasma, perturbative QCD, quantum few- and many-body systems, quantum computing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence applied to these areas. Candidates in all these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
In addition to six full-time staff scientists working in basic nuclear theory (J. Carlson, S. Gandolfi, E. Mereghetti, D. Neill, I. Tews, I. Vitev), the T-2 group has expertise in applied nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics & heliophysics, and plasma physics. Research at the intersections of these areas with nuclear theory, as well as interdisciplinary research employing new computational paradigms, is highly valued. More broadly, the Theoretical Division and LANL provide a stimulating scientific environment and opportunities for interdisciplinary science. The Division and the T-2 group enjoy a highly visible postdoctoral program and are actively involved in DOE Nuclear Theory topical collaborations, SciDAC, and Quantum Computing/Quantum Information projects.
Theorists in the Division actively collaborate with experimentalists at LANL and beyond. The experimental Nuclear Physics program at LANL makes critical contributions to QCD and heavy-ion physics (e.g. RHIC, EIC, LHC), neutrino physics (e.g. LEGEND, DUNE, neutrinoless double beta decay, etc.), and precision neutron physics (e.g. neutron EDM, lifetime, decay correlations). We also collaborate closely with experts within T Division as well as the Computing & Artificial Intelligence and other Divisions on modern & emerging computational paradigms (including classical HPC, ML/AI and Quantum Computing) and their application to nuclear physics. Candidates whose research program overlaps with any of these experimental or computational efforts are encouraged to apply.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
The successful candidate should have:
- Demonstrated record of technical excellence and achievement in nuclear theory or closely related area.
- Significant knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
- Demonstrated leadership skills or the ability and experience to mentor junior researchers at all levels.
- Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and mission science programs as needs and opportunities evolve with time.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in theoretical physics or related fields and 2 years of postdoctoral research experience.
- Demonstrated effective networking skills across disciplines, e.g., collaboration with experimental, observational, or computational physicists.
- Experience with obtaining research funding.
- Experience with leading scientific projects in collaboration with academia, industry or government agencies.
- Strong communication skills.
- Experience with emerging computational paradigms (including classical HPC, ML/AI and Quantum Computing).
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 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
- Please include in the application a CV, a publication list, and a concise research statement (three pages) describing past achievements and future plans.
- A cover letter describing how you meet minimum requirements and desired qualifications listed above, and including the contact information for 3-4 references.
- Candidates are encouraged to contact Ivan Vitev (ntsearch26@lanl.gov) for further inquiries.
- For full consideration please apply by September 30, 2026. The final selection is expected in the spring of 2027.
- For more information on our group (T-2) please visit https://www.lanl.gov/engage/organizations/aldsct/theoretical/nppac.
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.
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.L
Los Alamos National Laboratory