Deputy Group Leader | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Deputy Group Leader

What You Will Do

Seeking outstanding candidates to join the Physics Division Management Team serving in half-time Deputy Group Leader (DGL) positions. Physics Division is a leader in experimental physics serving the national interest. Our members design, execute, and analyze one-of-a-kind experiments that challenge, improve, and validate our understanding of fundamental and applied physics underpinning Los Alamos National Laboratory's national security mission.

This vacancy will be used to fill multiple group-level vacancies within the Division. Candidates will be considered across groups and selected based on the best fit for each individual groups' needs and desired qualifications.

Physics Division is comprised of 4 groups doing experimental physics and research across various topical areas:
  • Dynamic Imaging & Radiography (P-1) Advancing the frontiers of nuclear physics beyond the Standard Model, weapons physics, imaging, diagnostic development, and radiography through the application of state-of-the-art particle and photon detection technologies along with advanced methods for capturing and analyzing transient phenomena.
  • Applied & Fundamental Physics (P-2) Executing a range of fundamental and applied research in various physics disciplines, including dark matter searches, neutrinos, plasma physics, and fluid dynamics by applying innovative advanced diagnostics, high-speed imaging, and data analysis to solve complex national security challenges.
  • Nuclear & Particle Physics & Applications (P-3) Using the world's most advanced scientific facilities to precisely study properties of the neutron; nuclear reactions that underpin nuclear energy, national security, and the cosmos; and the structure and dynamics of strongly interacting matter.
  • Thermonuclear Plasma Physics (P-4) Leveraging plasma under extreme conditions to solve critical scientific challenges such as advancing weapons physics and generating fusion energy. Our research spans radiation hydrodynamics, shock physics, thermonuclear burn, radiation transport, inertial and magnetized fusion, and kinetic plasma phenomena.
The DGL will partner with the Group Leader and the other Deputy Group Leader in their respective group to provide management and scientific leadership of the group. Activities will involve operational supervision of group activities, supporting the group's strategic and tactical planning, helping develop and advocate for programs, promoting effective partnering with other LANL and outside organizations, overseeing group finances, managing human resources, and managing safety & security. Because this is a half-time role, the DGL will be expected to spend the other half of their time performing technical work in an area affiliated with the work of the group.

Groups are made up of experimental physicists, engineers, technicians, postdocs and students engaged in a range of fundamental and applied research. We support diverse programs that include scientists of many nationalities and backgrounds, participation in experiments worldwide, sponsorship of workshops and conferences, unclassified and classified experiments, and legacy and modern data analysis and interpretation.

What You Need

The new DGL will be a member of the Physics Division Leadership Team, ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion to help support our vision, embrace our values, and possess a strong sense of shared outcome. The DGL will contribute to the group management team by partnering to effectively implement strategies to ensure the success of the group and all its staff members, safely and securely and with environmental awareness. The DGL will support the Group Leader in achieving operational excellence, mission execution, and project deliverables on time and on budget, as well as in administrative duties that ensure our staff members' success.

Since this is a half-time position, the successful candidate will also maintain a thriving technical program that aligns with or enriches the group's portfolio.

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • A history of working collaboratively and respectfully to create a safe, secure, and positive work environment enabling staff to thrive.
  • Demonstrated research background and technical expertise relevant to one or more of the group/division's focus areas, with experience conducting research and/or development activities and addressing complex technical challenges.
  • Demonstrated ability to build effective teams, foster collaborative relationships, and create a safe, secure, and respectful work environment.
  • Experience mentoring, recruiting, developing staff, and providing constructive feedback to support individual and organizational success.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and organizational skills.
  • A record of advocacy, innovation, and commitment to research and scientific excellence.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a Q-Clearance
  • Knowledge of LANL operations, safety and security requirements and administrative policies and procedures
  • Familiarity with various LANL electronic business systems
  • Experience implementing formal conduct of operations and maintenance including handling abnormal occurrences, such as incident reporting and developing and implementing corrective actions and lessons learned activities

Desired Qualifications for P-1 DGL:

  • Understanding of LANSCE operations and administrative policies and procedures
  • Understanding of Nevada National Security Site operations and the associated safety and security envelope
  • Capability in program development/program advocacy
  • Familiarity with the pRad facility
  • Familiarity with P-1 topical areas of research
  • Advanced degree in a physical science or engineering field relevant to a main focus of P-1

Desired Qualifications for P-2 DGL:

  • Familiarity with the technical work that P-2 does and a desire to help further that technical work
  • Familiarity with the Lujan and WNR facilities at LANSCE and its policies and procedures
  • Familiarity with operations and the associated safety and security envelope internally and at one or more of the external facilities at which our group members work (Nevada National Security Site, the NIF facility, the Omega Facility, CERN, etc.)
  • Experience in or desire to learn and implement program development and program advocacy
  • Advanced degree in a physical science or engineering field relevant to a focus area of P-2

Note to Applicants:

Cover letter is required to be submitted for consideration. Since this is a multi-vacancy posting, please indicate a group preference (if you wish to be considered for a specific group only) in your cover letter.

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:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

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.