Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Experimental Postdoctoral Research Associate - Proton Radiography in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Dynamic Imaging and Radiography Group (P-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is in search of excellent candidates for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Proton Radiography Facility (pRad). We have an immediate opening for a postdoctoral research associate on the pRad team supporting work to design optics for a future pRad facility. Proton Radiography is a multidisciplinary research capability, and thus we are eager to consider outstanding candidates from a broad range of experimental physics specialties, such as nuclear, particle, shock, atomic, accelerator, optical, or medical physics.
Flash-imaged Proton Radiography, invented at LANL, employs a high-energy proton beam with magnetic optics to image the structure and behavior of materials under dynamic conditions. The special properties of accelerator-driven protons make them a unique probe to make quantitative images of dense objects and/or ultra-fast phenomena. Our team performs exciting basic research studying, for example, the performance of explosively driven materials, high explosives, and bio-imaging.
We are looking for a candidate interested in radiography and optics who will support future pRad projects. This position would provide training in magnetic optics for charged particle radiography. This work would include hands on training for tuning the optical system, radiographic analysis, and developing new lens systems for proton radiography. The candidate would work towards designing and simulating magnetic lenses within the constraints of a higher-energy future pRad facility. Additional opportunities include contributing to experimental design, diagnostic design and fielding, software development, and radiographic analysis. For more information about pRad, see https://lansce.lanl.gov/facilities/pRad/index.php .
LANL's Physics Division is the leader in experimental physics serving the national interest. We design, execute, and analyze experiments that challenge, improve, and validate our understanding of fundamental physics underpinning LANL's national security mission. The Dynamic Imaging and Radiography Group (P-1) in Physics Division is a diverse group of experimental physicists, engineers, technicians, and students engaged in a range of fundamental and applied research. Group members specialize in nuclear physics beyond the Standard Model, weapons physics, imaging, diagnostics development, radiography, the application of state-of-the-art techniques in particle and light detection and recording transient events. 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 data analysis and interpretation.
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. Candidates may be considered for the prestigious Harold Agnew, Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships or LANL Director's Fellowships. For more information about the LANL Postdoctoral Program, including eligibility, salary guidelines, and benefits, see https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/index.php .
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
A doctoral degree in physics or a related field granted within the previous five years, or soon to be completed.
A record of experimental research in their area of expertise.
A desire to apply their expertise to the design and development of optical systems for pRad.
Strong communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications, presentations, and the cover letter
A demonstrated ability to perform individually with minimal supervision and make original contributions.
A demonstrated ability to contribute effectively in a team environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
A demonstrated ability to work safely in an environment that may present hazards.
Desired Qualifications:
Success in designing, building, and using new apparatus or tools (either hardware or software) for the execution of research experiments.
The ability to analyze clearly, interpret, and present the results of a complex data set.
In-depth research experience in one or more of the following topics: Atomic physics, charged particle transport/accelerator beam lines, charged particle interactions, imaging, nuclear physics, optical diagnostics/measurement, or a similar field.
Skills developed in one or more of the following techniques: optical systems, charged-particle optics and transport, image analysis, and/or simulations.
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:
To apply, please submit a CV (with publication list) and a cover letter (that describes your research interests and addresses your qualifications for the required and desired skills listed above) to jobs.lanl.gov. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit their application materials to this job listing, IRC 143294. Questions may be sent to John Schmidt at jlschmidt@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 (https://int.lanl.gov/org/ddops/oma/prime-contract-management/applicable-directives/_assets/docs/DOE-O-206.2-Chg-2-LtdChg-Identity,-Credential,-and-Access-Management-ICAM-1.pdf) . 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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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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