Research Scientist (Scientist 3/4)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 3 or Scientist 4 level, depending on the candidate's skills. Additional responsibilities apply at the higher level.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a contractor to the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Applied and Fundamental Physics (P-2) is a diverse group of experimental physicists, engineers, technicians, and students engaged in a range of fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics beyond the Standard Model, neutrinos, dark matter, weapons physics, plasma physics, and fluid dynamics.

The ADDI team focuses on the development and application of diagnostics and methodologies providing the technical basis for the understanding, design, characterization, and certification of our current and future stockpile.

The ADDI team (P-2) at LANL, is seeking a research scientist to lead efforts towards understand the static and dynamic reactivity of fissile assemblies using the neutron diagnosed subcritical experiment (NDSE) technique.

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

The selected scientist will lead NDSE diagnostic development and fielding. Applicants are expected to have experience with gamma-ray and neutron detectors, with the ability to measure the temporal behavior of both the neutron source and the resulting prompt fission gamma rays. Additionally, applicants will be expected to work in a technical and collaborative environment within an interdisciplinary team at LANL and external organizations to resolve technical questions addressing United States national security concerns.

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

At this level, in addition to the previous, you will be expected to have experience leading national-level programs, oversee deployment of NDSE to remote sites, experience working with the SCE and NDSE programs, and interfacing with stakeholders from across the NNSA complex.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Scientist 3:
  • Demonstrated experience as a technical subject matter expert in at least two of the following:
  • Radiation transport simulations
  • Gamma-ray and neutron detection
  • Photomultiplier tubes and their implementation in detection schemes
  • Demonstrated Experience leading projects with an interdisciplinary team.
  • Thorough experience leading development, design, research, and presenting work conducted by yourself and team.
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills, with a record of experience documented in publication and speaking engagements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
  • Willingness and capability for extensive travel.

Scientist 4:

In addition to the previous, a Scientist 4 is expected to have the following:
  • Advanced knowledge and proven ability inproposing, developing, and sustaining research programs.
  • An established technical subject matter expert across multiple organizations.
  • Proven ability to coordinate multi-organizational collaborations across the NNSA complex.
  • Comprehensive experience in mentoring and recruiting staff.

Education/Experience Level 3: 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 Level 4: 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:
  • Experience leading successful projects across the NNSA complex.
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Active DOE Q Clearance.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants MUST submit their resume and a detailed cover letter addressing all requirements of the job.
  • 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.

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.

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.