Solar and Heliospheric Scientist(Scientist 2) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Solar and Heliospheric Scientist(Scientist 2)

What You Will Do

We seek candidates with strong expertise in heliophysics to join the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The T-2, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology group invites applications for a Scientist 2 position to lead research in computational and theoretical heliophysics. The group is particularly interested in particle acceleration, transport and nonthermal emissions during solar eruptions, and kinetic processes and nonthermal particles in inner and outer heliosphere, with the goal to understand space weather environment and explain observations made by current and future spacecraft and ground-based observations.

The hired scientist is expected to establish and sustain their own research portfolio. This will include leading proposal development for both internal and external projects. The candidate is expected to work in an environment with substantial collaborative research. This includes recruiting and mentoring students and postdocs. A successful candidate is expected to publish in peer reviewed journals, present their research at conferences and workshops, and collaborate with scientists and managers to develop and sustain programs.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Research experience in theoretical or computational heliophysics or related fields
  • Demonstrated ability and experience to mentor students
  • Demonstrated ability and experience to execute projects and publish high-impact results


Education/Experience: 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.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with kinetic plasma simulations and/or magnetohydrodynamic simulations
  • Experience with theory and modeling of space physics problems
  • Experience with obtaining research funding
  • Strong communication skills
  • Experience with leading scientific projects
  • Ph.D. in heliophysics, theoretical physics, astrophysics, heliophysics or related fields and 3 years of postdoctoral research experience.

Note to Applicants:
  • Please include in the application a CV, contact information for 3 references, and a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet minimum requirements and desired qualifications listed above
  • Contact Christopher Lee (clee@lanl.gov) (T-2 Deputy Group Leader) for more details with questions about this position or application process. The hiring official for this position is Anna Hayes-Sterbenz (T-2 Group Leader).
  • For full consideration please apply by Nov. 10, 2023, and the job ad will be open until Dec. 1.


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:
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.
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.

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 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.