Radiation Detection Scientist (Scientist 2/3)

What You Will Do
Work for one of the world's most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for a Radiation Detection Scientist to support one of numerous project opportunities within the Space Protection and Space-based Nuclear Detonation Detector portfolios. If you are passionate about space and excited to work with a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, then this is a great opportunity for you!

This position will be filled at the Scientist 2 or 3 level depending on skills and qualifications. Higher job levels will have additional responsibilities as detailed below.



Scientist 2 ($101,700 - $168,200)

As a Radiation Detection Scientist, you will contribute to radiation detection for space systems focused on X-ray, gamma-ray, charged particles, plasma and neutrons in support of ongoing programs and future projects. Your key responsibilities will be to perform radiation detector measurements, support new radiation detector development, and develop and perform radiation transport simulations. You will provide technical expertise to support radiation detection projects and feasibility studies, and you will have the opportunity to mentor junior staff. You will be expected to communicate your work and results to project leaders and colleagues.

Scientist 3 ($122,300 - $206,300)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, you will also serve as the subject matter expert to support radiation detection projects for current and future missions. You will lead and mentor staff scientists, assist in the technical effort, and formulate requirements for space systems.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Experience in radiation detection methods and instrumentation.
  • Experience in simulation and modeling of radiation detectors.
  • Experience in development of data analysis codes and instrument performance assessment.
  • Ability to document and communicate scientific results.
  • Motivated and independently driven.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in the science or engineering field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. PhD preferred.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master's degree in the science or engineering field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. PhD preferred.

Desired Qualifications:
  • GEANT4 or MCNP experience.
  • Scientific computing for numerical/simulation analysis.
  • Comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment.
  • Experience with uncertainty quantification.
  • Experience working collaboratively with small and large multi-institutional teams.
  • Experience with space environment.
  • Current DOE Q and/or active TS/SCI security clearances.
  • For Scientist 3, experience with leading projects/teams.

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.


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 send the following:

  • A cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills.
  • A resume with information regarding work and/or educational experience,
  • Only complete applications with both a cover letter and resume will be considered.
  • References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.
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.

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.