What You Will Do

The Applied Electrodynamics Group (AOT-AE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking to hire one or more Postdoctoral Research Associates in accelerator science. Exceptional candidates will be eligible for nomination for the Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship.

The AOT-AE group is situated at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) accelerator site in Los Alamos, NM. AOT-AE performs accelerator research, design, and commissioning, and provides support for numerous accelerator projects. These projects include LANSCE accelerator operations and upgrade, SCORPIUS/ECSE, development of compact accelerators for global security and space applications, and local accelerator test stands for research and development. The group performs research on cutting edge accelerator technology, which includes ion and electron sources, photocathodes, radio-frequency structures, and novel particle beam transport schemes. The successful applicant will contribute to one or more of these projects. Applicants with very strong skills in related fields of science and engineering may be considered, as training opportunities in accelerator science are available, both on the job, and through the US Particle Accelerator School.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Either (1) practical experience assembling hardware, operating complex experiments, recording and analyzing experimental data, and interpreting results, or (2) strong simulation and design experience, including comparison of results with experimental data.

• Demonstrated familiarity with the principles of electrodynamics and graduate level mechanics.

• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Education/Experience : Position requires a Ph.D. in accelerator science, physics, electrical engineering or a related field.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience assembling, operating, and trouble-shooting accelerators, RF systems, electron or ion sources, and accelerator diagnostics.

• Demonstrated experience designing, installing, and commissioning accelerators and accelerator components.

• Demonstrated familiarity with hazards of accelerator R&D and operations.

• Experience with CAD packages, such as Solidworks.

• Experience with RF component simulation using software such as CST Studio, Comsol, Ansys HFSS, or similar tools.

• Experience with beam dynamics simulation codes such as Elegant, Parmela/Parmila, GPT, or similar tools.

• Demonstrated familiarity with data analysis tools and controls software such as Matlab, Python, Labview, or IDL.

• Excellent publication record.

• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

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.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Reading vision, ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, typing or keyboarding, fine motor control.

Work Environment: work is mostly performed in indoor laboratory or office environments. Some work may be required in the accelerator tunnels with low levels or radiation (no significant confined space exposure), and potential electric hazard.

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 Applicants: Please attach a detailed cover letter that addresses all the minimum and desired qualifications of this position.

Where You Will Work

The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. The Applied Electrodynamics group (AOT-AE) leverages the discipline of electrodynamics for the benefit of present and future LANL missions in national security, discovery science, and stockpile stewardship. AOT-AE anticipates, innovates, and executes high-impact, breakthrough science and engineering as a core Laboratory capability. By leveraging competencies found only at LANL, we strengthen technical innovation within the Directorate and strive to be a worldwide leader in accelerator and electrodynamics technology.

AOT-AE pursues new ideas and concepts that align with Laboratory mission. Our members possess interdisciplinary expertise, entrepreneurialism, and enthusiasm. As a single group, we rapidly form dynamic, exceptionally capable teams that anticipate and adapt to future challenges, needs, and opportunities. The group depends on a culture of collaboration, communication, accountability, and the desire to explore new, visionary ideas.

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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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, 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.