Radiographic Senior Scientist and Lead Experimenter (Scientist 3/4)

What You Will Do


The DARHT Experiments and Radiographic Science (J-4) group is responsible for leading the fielding and execution of hydrotests conducted at the DARHT (Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility) in support of the laboratory mission. J-4 is seeking a scientist to join the Radiography Team. The successful candidate will work as part of an experimental and analysis team that designs, fields, analyzes and documents hydrotests at the DARHT facility. A description of the position's roles and responsibilities include the following:

  • Plan, coordinate, and conduct hydrotest experiments at DARHT as a lead radiographer and lead experimenter.
  • Collaborate with other scientists, engineers, technicians, and program managers to support all aspects of the experimental effort.
  • Acquire, analyze, and interpret data collected for hydrotests.
  • Publish shot reports and technical reports related to hydrotests and R&D efforts.
  • Contribute to ongoing technical work in the fields of radiography, scintillator design, shielding design, or image analysis.
  • Mentor junior staff.
  • Maintain compliance with safety and security.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 3 or Scientist 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Scientist 3 ($125,200 - $211,300)

As a Scientist 3, you will perform the job duties listed above.

Scientist 4 ($150,300 - $260,800)

In addition to what was outlined at the Scientist 3 level, at this level you will be expected to be more self-guided performing the duties above, lead research in areas of radiographic physics, and seek out new opportunities related to expanding hydrotest fielding capabilities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Experience: Demonstrated knowledge and proven experience in one or more of the following areas: radiography, image analysis, experimental design, Monte Carlo transport methods, or running multi-physics codes. A documented history of technical contributions in the form of publications, reports, and technical talks. Demonstration of scientific excellence as well as timeliness of deliverables.

Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel; exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors; and work both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated experience leading technical projects.

Communication: Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills with diverse collaborators and audiences.

Professional Skills: Demonstrated commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, scientific communication, supporting diverse points of view, and personal initiative.

Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and mentor junior staff.

Clearance: Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 4:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Technical Expertise: Expert knowledge and proven experience in one or more of the following areas: radiography, image analysis, experimental design, Monte Carlo transport methods, or running multi-physics codes. A documented history of technical contributions in the form of publications, reports, and technical talks. Demonstration of scientific excellence as well as timeliness of deliverables.

Technical Leadership: Demonstrated technical leadership developing innovative advanced methods, techniques, and approaches to address specialized problems; planning, directing, and executing technical projects; leading technical decision-making within a project; and making technically sound decisions and/or recommendations that influence technical projects.

Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel; exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors; and work both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated experience leading large, programmatic projects involving multiple organizations.

Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and develop the skills of junior staff.

Education/Experience at Scientist 3 level: This position requires a Master's degree in a STEM 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.

Education/Experience at Scientist 4 level: This position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 12 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

Education: A doctoral degree in physics, applied mathematics, nuclear engineering, or closely related field.

Work with Hazards: Experience working with hazards such as radiation, explosives, or working in a complex environment with high levels of operational formality such as an accelerator facility.

Weapons Knowledge: Working knowledge of nuclear weapons design, development, or testing.

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:

For full consideration, please include a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills with your application.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.