Experimental Postdoc in Neutrino Physics

What You Will Do

The Weak Interactions Team within the Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the search for

double beta decay as part of the LEGEND program. The successful candidate will contribute to the LEGEND-200 double-beta decay experiment, both on-site at the Gran Sasso

Laboratory in Italy and off-site in research, development, and data analysis. Additionally, we seek a candidate with a strong interest in hardware and simulation to support

ongoing R&D for the LEGEND-1000 ton-scale experiment. In addition, members of our team are involved in range of additional research activities, like searches for sterile neutrinos,

neutrino-interactions via coherent scattering, and other neutrino or low-background related searches for weak signals.

We support the application of outstanding candidates for Director's Fellowships or Distinguished Fellowships.

The Physics Division is a vibrant and diverse group of experimental physicists, engineers, technicians, and students engaged in a wide array of fundamental and applied research.

Areas of focus include nuclear physics within and beyond the Standard Model, weapons physics, remote sensing, fluid dynamics, and numerous other topics. We support a broad

program that includes scientists from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds, participation in global experiments, and sponsorship of workshops and conferences. Within the

division, projects span both classified and unclassified research.

The LANL Postdoctoral Program serves as a key recruitment pathway for technical staff positions, with many postdocs transitioning into permanent roles. The Laboratory actively

encourages postdoc mentors to support their mentees in exploring opportunities for conversion to permanent staff positions.

Required Skills:
  • The successful candidate must have an experimental background in one or more of the following areas: Nuclear physics, particle physics, detector readouts and design,
  • low background counting, or data acquisition.
  • Ability for significant travel to experimental sites and partner institutions is a necessity.
  • Strong communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications, presentations, and the cover letter.

Desired Skills:
  • Experience at underground facilities; detector readout and front-end development,
  • Strong publishing record, demonstrated written and oral communication skills in English
  • Familiarity with germanium detectors;
  • Experience with other weak interactions measurements
  • Familiarity with large data set analysis and techniques like machine learning.

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.

Required Education: A Ph.D. (completed within the last five years) in nuclear, particle physics, or astrophysics is required.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500.

For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicant: A CV, the names of three persons providing letters of reference, and a cover letter addressing the required and desired skills in detail should be sent to Dr. Ralph Massarczyk

at massarczyk@lanl.gov (505) 665 6710, or Dr. Alex Leder at aleder@lanl.gov (505) 667 1062. Feel free to address questions to either contact. Please also apply online at jobs.lanl.gov to IRC xxxxx

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction,

and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

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.

*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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.

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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.