Deputy Group Leader for Physics of Condensed Matter and Complex Systems (T-4) (R&D Manager 3)

What You Will Do

The Physics of Condensed Matter and Complex Systems Group (T-4) is seeking candidates for the Deputy Group Leader position. The successful candidate will partner with the T-4 Group Leader in providing technical leadership and management to the group.

The Physics of Condensed Matter and Complex Systems Group in Theoretical Division conducts basic and applied theoretical research in quantum matter, strongly correlated systems, quantum information science, quantum computing, quantum photonics, materials physics, nonequilibrium dynamics, statistical physics, and complex systems in support of the Department of Energy missions in national security and energy security.

T-4 collaborates with experimental groups from the Materials Physics and Applications (MPA) Division, notably the MPA-CINT - Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, MPA-MAGLAB - National High Magnetic Field-Pulsed Facility (MAGLAB), and MPA-Q - Quantum groups. T-4 also maintains extensive collaborations across the lab and DOE complex. The group has a research portfolio that includes the DOE Office of Science Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program, and Advanced Scientific and Computing Research (ASCR), DOE Applied Energy programs, NNSA Advanced Simulation and Computing program, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program and DoD. It has a total budget of ~$20M. The group includes ~20 Ph.D. or equivalent level staff scientists, and ~20 postdoctoral researchers, and students to support these programs.

The Deputy Group Leader (DGL) will assist and complement the Group Leader (GL) in ensuring effective program execution and sound fiscal management, stimulating program development activities, promoting personnel development, and performing administrative tasks. The DGL will be a member of Theoretical Division's leadership team and will report to the T-4 GL. This position will be 50% leadership and management responsibilities, with the remaining 50% dedicated to funded research activities that align with the capabilities and direction of the group.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


The successful candidate will possess:
  • Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in one or more of the research areas described above.
  • Effective and successful leadership experience, preferably in a scientific or technical team, group, or project setting. This includes managing financial and human resources, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Evidence of excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written, technical and non-technical), including the ability to effectively communicate with staff and management across multiple levels and organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience of mentoring postdocs and students.
  • Success in proposing, developing, and sustaining research programs.

Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 12 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will also have:
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or closely related fields is strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of DOE, DoD, and/or other internal and external programs.
  • Experience building collaborative relationships across group, division, laboratory, and nation.
  • Experience with administrative, personnel, budget, and/or programmatic business systems and
  • procedures.
  • Active Q Clearance.

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 contact Jianxin Zhu (jxzhu@lanl.gov) or Alex Wroblewski (alexwrob@lanl.gov) for more details about this position.
  • For full consideration please apply online and include a current CV along with a cover letter that comprehensively addresses the key requirements of the position by November 30, 2024.
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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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. 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.

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.

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 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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.