Research Statistician (Scientist 2/3)

What You Will Do

Be part of an outstanding team of Ph.D. statisticians that is consistently recognized for award-winning research and high-impact contributions here in the Statistical Science Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. As a statistician in our group, you will develop solutions to novel, meaningful, and complex interdisciplinary problems in partnership with world-leading scientists across an array of domains. As an effective member of our group, you will bring extensive technical expertise, communication, and problem-solving skills to our collaborative environment, partnering with domain experts in areas that span materials science, environmental modeling, next-generation energy science, cosmology, epidemiology, cyber security, image analysis, and complex engineered systems, including the nuclear stockpile. Simulation and high-performance computing play a growing role in many of these applications. You will leverage your proficiency in statistics and data science technical areas, with opportunities to draw upon and extend methods from spatial statistics, time series, machine learning, reliability, design of experiments, computer experiments, Bayesian methods, functional data analysis, stochastic processes, hierarchical models, uncertainty quantification, data fusion, graphical models, advanced regression techniques, and statistical computing, to develop and execute strategies that answer important questions; create valuable and actionable results; and contribute directly to advancing science and supporting the national security mission.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 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 2 $101,700 - $168,200

A successful candidate will actively participate in collaborative projects and research activities in a broad cross section of statistics and scientific applications. Duties of this job include contributing to innovation in statistical methodology; advancing basic and applied science through rigorous statistical modeling; and participating in professional activities, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and service to the statistics community.

Scientist 3 $122,300 - $206,300

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level a successful candidate will take a larger role in project development, leadership, and mentoring.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Technical Expertise: Expert knowledge and proven experience in statistics and data science methods, including the theoretical and mathematical framework and an ability to apply principles and techniques for application-driven problem-solving.
  • Novel Methodology Development: Demonstrated ability to conduct statistical research, contributing to advancements in the field of Statistics that are motivated by real-world applications.
  • Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, displaying strong interpersonal skills and facility to work cross-functionally to answer complex questions in challenging domains.
  • Communication: Effective written and oral communication skills with diverse collaborators and audiences
  • Computing: Strong statistical computing skills including experience using software for advanced statistical analysis (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python, Julia).
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
  • Experience: On-the-job experience beyond Ph.D. and postdoctoral training.
  • Leadership: Experience planning, directing, and executing technical projects, demonstrating leadership, independence, and accountability.
  • Production: A substantial record of achievement through publications, presentations, or technical products.


Education/Experience at lower level: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation

Education/Experience at higher level: 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.

Desired Qualifications:
  • PhD in Statistics or closely related field is very strongly desired.
  • Experience developing collaborative research proposals.
  • History of professional engagement such as through peer review and service to the field of statistics.
  • Demonstrated scientific accomplishment and expertise in one or more technical areas of the group.
  • Experience with statistical applications in the physical and engineering sciences.
  • Familiarity with scientific computing (e.g., C/C++, Python) or high-performance computing.

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 submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references who can provide letters of recommendation.
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.