Space Plasma Physics Postdoc
- Req. Number: IRC140610
- Organization : Applied Mathematics And Plasma Physics/T-5
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral position in space plasma physics.
T-5 is an interdisciplinary group that combines expertise in applied mathematics, plasma physics, computational physics, and AI to solve critical national and international challenges ranging from energy resiliency to safeguarding space.
The position is focused supporting the space physics portfolio in T-5 and, generally, at LANL. Research directions include global magnetospheric modeling, exploiting plasma signatures for detection and characterization of small orbital debris, spacecraft-plasma interaction, radiation belt remediation and the physics of the low-energy (
This position is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative team and work alongside leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. The project brings together statisticians, applied mathematicians, and physicists within T-5, while also fostering close collaborations with other groups at Los Alamos-including the Intelligence and Space Research Division and the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. Beyond Los Alamos, the work connects with teams across the U.S. and around the world, offering broad opportunities to engage and contribute at the forefront of science.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience: By the start of the position the applicant must have completed a PhD in a relevant STEM field.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
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 $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .
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:
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.
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:
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
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.
The T-5 Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral position in space plasma physics.
T-5 is an interdisciplinary group that combines expertise in applied mathematics, plasma physics, computational physics, and AI to solve critical national and international challenges ranging from energy resiliency to safeguarding space.
The position is focused supporting the space physics portfolio in T-5 and, generally, at LANL. Research directions include global magnetospheric modeling, exploiting plasma signatures for detection and characterization of small orbital debris, spacecraft-plasma interaction, radiation belt remediation and the physics of the low-energy (
This position is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative team and work alongside leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. The project brings together statisticians, applied mathematicians, and physicists within T-5, while also fostering close collaborations with other groups at Los Alamos-including the Intelligence and Space Research Division and the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. Beyond Los Alamos, the work connects with teams across the U.S. and around the world, offering broad opportunities to engage and contribute at the forefront of science.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- A PhD in space physics completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed. Outstanding candidates with experience in other relevant fields (e.g., plasma physics, ...) will also be considered.
- Experience with coding languages such as Fortran and/or C++, and other software such as Matlab or python
- Demonstrated research ability in space physics, as evidenced by publications, reports, presentations, awards, etc
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
Education/Experience: By the start of the position the applicant must have completed a PhD in a relevant STEM field.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with numerical methods and high-performance computing
- Ability to work independently as well as to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise
- Willingness and flexibility to take initiative and pursue new research directions
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.
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 $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .
Note to Applicants:
- For full consideration, please submit (A) a cover letter describing background and relevant experience, (B) a full resume, and (C) contact information for three professional references.
- This appointment is valid for two years with a possible third year extension.
- Minimum starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
- US citizenship is not a requirement
- Review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received and until the position is filled
- Strong candidates may be eligible for a Laboratory fellowship. See https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-appointment-types.php
for details. - For additional information, please contact Gian Luca Delzanno (delzanno@lanl.gov).
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 maternity 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.
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.
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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.
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