Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Radiation Transport Applications Group (XTD-RTA) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is searching for a radiation transport and detection postdoc to support modern diagnostics and experimental efforts in our group. These projects include the development of ultra-fast scintillation-based imagers for a variety of applications. Postdoc contributions would involve both a significant experimental and simulation focus. Experience comparing nuclear instrumentation measurements to Monte Carlo simulations (MCNP or Geant4) is desirable for this role.

About XTD-RTA

The Radiation Transport Applications Group (XTD-RTA) of the X-Theoretical Division provides radiation transport modeling and simulation capabilities in support of the laboratory's missions. We deliver high-quality analysis and understanding of neutron, gamma, proton and electron transport and analysis issues for an array of DOE missions, including stockpile stewardship, global nuclear security, criticality safety and weapon effects. Our teams apply a wide variety of tools to model and investigate modern and historic experimental diagnostics, intrinsic radiation, radiation detection and measurement, shielding design, criticality safety, nuclear threat reduction and response, radiation health protection, nuclear weapons effects, and nuclear forensics.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Radiation transport simulation experience (e.g. MCNP6, Geant4, Attila/Attila4MC, PARTISN etc).
  • Programming / coding experience (e.g. python, C++).
  • Demonstrated scientific productivity as evidenced by publications and presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a team environment, including exhibiting professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and be flexible in work assignments.


Education/Experience: Ph.D. in nuclear engineering, physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment. Applications from candidates who will earn their degree by the time of appointment are accepted.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with MCNP and/or geant4
  • General experimental and/or simulation experience with radiation detectors (scintillators, HPGe, He-3 detectors etc)
  • High Performance Computing (HPC) experience
  • Experience with C++ and/or ROOT
  • Journal publications

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 attach a resume and a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills. Please note that without a resume and cover letter your application will not be considered
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.

Q Clearance: 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.

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.

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Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.