Earth & Environmental Sciences Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

Join our world class team of Earth scientists working on solutions to some of the most challenging scientific problems facing our nation! The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division (EES) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking early-career scientists and engineers to join us in our efforts to meet the nation's earth science, environmental science, energy development, and national security challenges. This job posting is for 2 (two) postdoctoral research associate positions in the National Security Earth Sciences Group (EES-17). EES-17 performs primarily solid-earth geophysics research and development in nonlinear acoustics, seismology, geology, and geodynamics. We do theoretical, modeling, and experimental work to improve our capabilities for the detection and monitoring of near-surface activities, which includes detonation detection and monitoring, numerical modeling of high strain-rate deformation of earth materials, and the use of advanced data analytics to improve seismic imaging and analysis of subsurface structures and tectonic processes. Our group is composed of scientists with a variety of backgrounds and a balance of basic and applied research expertise who develop novel and integrated solutions for multiple sponsors in DOE, other federal agencies, and a variety of industries. The successful candidate for this job posting will be expected to contribute to the Group's projects in the field of geomechanics. #ees-17,#ees-postdoc,#ees

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Technical Knowledge: Experience in at least three of the following areas: a) Continuum mechanics, b) Damage and fracture mechanics, c) Shock physics in solids and/or fluids, d) Continuum and/or discontinuum scale computational modeling methods, e) Physics-based constitutive model development for geologic and/or metallic materials, f) Mechanical behavior of metals and/or rocks under extreme loading conditions, g) Equations of state for geologic materials, h) machine learning in Earth sciences, and/or i) Algorithm, numerical methods, and/or model development.
  • Professional Background: Demonstrated commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative. Demonstrated record of scientific excellence and achievement as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrated success delivering final work products of value to sponsors.
  • Collaboration: Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment on research covering multiple scientific areas in order to solve difficult problems in support of National Security.

Education/Experience: Position requires an advanced degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field from an accredited college and university, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working with DOE, DOD and/or other government sponsors.
  • Experience working on a multi-institutional and/or multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Experience working with or in a U.S. National Laboratory environment.
  • Good written and oral communication skills

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.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Note to Applicants: Please note that without a resume your application will not be considered and a cover letter is recommended.

Where You Will Work

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division is a multi-program research organization with core capabilities in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geomaterials, Geography, Hydrology, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Acoustics, Atmospheric Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Computational Science, and Geotechnical Engineering. Cross-cutting capabilities and facilities span the needs for laboratory experimentation, field deployments, computing, and data analytics. Capabilities in the Division are organized into groups, which consist of scientists, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, administrators, and students. Most programs within the Division feature multi-discipline teams organized to solve complex problems of national importance.

Learn more about the Earth & Environmental Sciences team and the work we do: https://www.lanl.gov/org/padste/adcles/earth-environmental-sciences/index.php

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.

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.

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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.