Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Req. Number: IRC134565
- Organization : P-4/Thermonuclear Plasma Physics
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory performs world-class research in high-energy-density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magnetic confinement fusion (MCF), and discovery plasma science. The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group is seeking exceptional candidates for two postdoctoral positions.
The P-4 Group is currently seeking two talented researchers to join our magnetized plasmas team. The first researcher will assist in conducting experimental research on the development of a novel magneto-inertial fusion architecture at the Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) facility. This position offers the opportunity to join a small, multi-institutional team pursuing an exciting and innovative path towards fusion energy, with significant potential for impactful contributions to the project's success.
The second researcher will help build a lower-density, longer-timescale plasma experimental platform using plasma guns. This platform will be used to validate state-of-the-art plasma viscosity models currently implemented in LANL hydrocode used for simulating ICF and HED experiments. The researcher will also work on developing plasma diagnostics for the experiment.
The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group conducts a broad range of research, including hydrodynamics, radiation transport, opacity, radiation hydrodynamics, inertial confinement fusion, magneto-inertial fusion, and magnetized fusion energy. We perform experiments on large and small-scale experimental facilities, including the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the OMEGA laser facility at the University of Rochester, the Z pulsed power facility, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Advanced Photon Source, and other facilities around the world.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
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 communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to journal presentations, technical reports, oral or poster conference presentations, public speaking, and classes taught.
History of safe laboratory work by being conscious of the complexity of the research and by reinforcing safety expectations. Ability to raise concerns, report problems and respectfully challenge unsafe behavior. Accept challenges to unsafe behavior graciously as an opportunity to improve.
Education/Experience:
A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
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.
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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.
Los Alamos National Laboratory performs world-class research in high-energy-density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magnetic confinement fusion (MCF), and discovery plasma science. The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group is seeking exceptional candidates for two postdoctoral positions.
The P-4 Group is currently seeking two talented researchers to join our magnetized plasmas team. The first researcher will assist in conducting experimental research on the development of a novel magneto-inertial fusion architecture at the Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) facility. This position offers the opportunity to join a small, multi-institutional team pursuing an exciting and innovative path towards fusion energy, with significant potential for impactful contributions to the project's success.
The second researcher will help build a lower-density, longer-timescale plasma experimental platform using plasma guns. This platform will be used to validate state-of-the-art plasma viscosity models currently implemented in LANL hydrocode used for simulating ICF and HED experiments. The researcher will also work on developing plasma diagnostics for the experiment.
The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group conducts a broad range of research, including hydrodynamics, radiation transport, opacity, radiation hydrodynamics, inertial confinement fusion, magneto-inertial fusion, and magnetized fusion energy. We perform experiments on large and small-scale experimental facilities, including the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the OMEGA laser facility at the University of Rochester, the Z pulsed power facility, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Advanced Photon Source, and other facilities around the world.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
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 communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to journal presentations, technical reports, oral or poster conference presentations, public speaking, and classes taught.
History of safe laboratory work by being conscious of the complexity of the research and by reinforcing safety expectations. Ability to raise concerns, report problems and respectfully challenge unsafe behavior. Accept challenges to unsafe behavior graciously as an opportunity to improve.
Education/Experience:
A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.
Desired Qualifications:
- Academic training in plasma physics, fluid mechanics, nuclear physics, or a related field.
- Familiarity with approaches and challenges of magnetized plasmas and Magnetic Confinement Fusion
- Familiarity with plasma diagnostics, such as imaging, spectroscopy, interferometry, or nuclear measurements.
- Experience performing experiments on tokamaks, stellarators, reverse-field pinches, or similar devices.
- Experience with data analysis using software tools such as IDL or MATLAB and programming with Python.
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.
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.
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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.
