High Energy Nuclear Physics Postdoc for the Amber Experiment

What You Will Do

The Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites outstanding applicants for postdoctoral positions in the High Energy Nuclear Physics (HENP) team of the Nuclear and Particle Physics and Applications Group (P-3) to work on the AMBER experiment at CERN. The HENP team is leading the project of developing a silicon-strip vertex detector for the AMBER experiment. The postdoc is expected to play an integral role in the entire detector R&D process, including detector simulation, software development, R&D of the readout electronics, as well as the detector installation and commissioning. In addition to the work on the AMBER experiment, the candidate is also encouraged to participate in other projects that the HENP team is leading, including spin physics and dark photon searches at the SpinQuest experiment, heavy ion physics at the sPHENIX experiment, and fast MAPS detector R&D for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The position will be based at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with travel to CERN and other facilities as required. The postdoctoral term is for 2 years, with an option to renew for a third year.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • good oral and written communication
  • experience with data analysis tools typically used for nuclear and particle physics
  • experience with detector operation and R&D
  • paper publication record in high energy nuclear physics or particle physics


Education: The applicant is required to have a Ph.D. in high-energy particle or nuclear physics within the past five years, or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:
  • experience with the FPGA design and/or silicon detectors

Note to Applicants:

In addition to applying online, applicants should submit a brief description of research interest to Kun Liu (liuk@lanl.gov). Any questions can be addressed to same. Reference letters will be asked at a later stage of the selection process. This position does not require a security clearance, U.S. citizenship or residency. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the field; such as women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and Latin Americans.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
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.
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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.