What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory performs world-class research in high-energy-density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and discovery plasma science. The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group (P-4) is seeking exceptional candidates at the Scientist 2 and 3 levels in experimental HEDP science.

The P-4 Group currently emphasizes HEDP and ICF research in four areas. 1) Double shell implosions are a route to achieving volume ignition for the study of thermonuclear burn. 2) Nuclear diagnostics such as gamma and neutron detector systems deployed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) enable us to study the conditions inside those burning plasmas. 3) Radiation flow and opacity experiments describe how radiation is transported in ICF targets and through astrophysical structures. These three research topical areas advance by conducting experiments at the NIF, the Omega laser facility, the Z pulsed power facility, and the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). 4) A fourth area of research is the creation of bright sources of x-rays and particles using high-intensity laser-matter interactions.

Successful candidates will develop new experimental platforms on NIF and other facilities to assess instability growth in multi-shell ICF implosions, develop novel nuclear diagnostic techniques and analysis, and collaborate with our theory and computational design community to advance our understanding of burning plasma systems. The specific hiring level will depend on the accomplishments of the applicant.

Scientist 2 ($94,100 - $155,700)

A Scientist 2 has typically recently completed a postdoctoral appointment and performs research under the supervision of a senior scientist.

Scientist 3 ($113,100 - $190,900)

A Scientist 3 has generally demonstrated the ability to perform experimental research both collaboratively and independently and to complete projects of a significant nature. They are also expected to mentor junior scientist, postdocs, and/or students.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Scientist 2:

• Research experience in a laboratory environment
• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in experimental physics or a very closely related discipline, as evidenced by at least one first-author paper submitted to or published in a peer-reviewed journal
• Ability to carry out scientific research in experimental physics or a very closely related discipline, as evidenced by journal publications in a peer-reviewed journal
• Ability to collaborate with diverse and multidisciplinary scientific research teams
• Demonstrated commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative.
• Ability to communicate technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to journal publications, technical reports, oral or poster conference presentations, public speaking, or classes taught.
• The ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Requirements for Scientist 3:

• Substantial experience or knowledge in the research areas relevant to group research
• Experience in program development
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience
• Track record of supervisory and/or mentoring experience

Desired Qualifications:

The following items represent the breadth of the subjects and tools that P-4 uses in its research. It is not expected that successful candidates will have experience in all, or even most, of these areas:

• Academic training in plasma physics, fluid mechanics, nuclear physics, atomic physics, astrophysics, or a related field.
• Familiarity with approaches and challenges of High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
• Familiarity with plasma diagnostics, such as imaging, spectroscopy, interferometry, or nuclear measurements.
• Experience using laser or pulsed-power driver facilities to conduct ICF or HED experiments.
• Experience using short-pulse lasers for scientific research.
• Experience with sophisticated data analysis techniques using IDL, MATLAB, Python or another advanced tool
• Advanced image analysis, “Big Data,” or machine learning techniques
• Experience performing computational radiation-hydrodynamics simulations
• Experience with MCNP or Geant4
• History of service to professional, educational, or community programs, including recruiting and outreach
• Broad knowledge of the NNSA complex and its programs

Education/Experience:

Scientist 2: Position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A Masters or PH.D is preferred.

Scientist 3: Position requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in a Physics, Engineering, or closely related field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A PH.D is preferred

Note to Applicants:

Applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter describing how they meet the qualifications of the position. In addition to applying on-line, interested candidates should send their inquiries and resume to Steve Batha, sbatha@lanl.gov. Contact Dmitry Yarotski (dzmitry@lanl.gov ) for more general information about the group.  Vacancy name: IRC90056.

This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, NM.

Vaccination Requirement :

The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory employees, on-site contractors, and on-site subcontractors unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to those working on-site, those teleworking, and all new hires.

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 .

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). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements

• for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
• 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.

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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.