Nuclear Astrophysics Postdoctoral Researcher - LANL

What You Will Do

The Nuclear Astrophysics team at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applications for one or more open postdoctoral positions to begin in 2024. Candidates will work closely with T-2 (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) and ISR-1 (Space Science and Applications) researchers. Selected applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, scientific computing, or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment.

Our groups conduct research on a broad set of topics. In theoretical nuclear astrophysics we study nuclear structure, reaction mechanisms, and fission properties relevant for the study of nucleosynthesis. Focus areas in space-based applications include the development of modeling techniques to understand radioisotope buildup on orbiting spacecraft, and their impacts on ongoing scientific gamma-ray astrophysics missions.

LANL scientists working in these areas include Kurtis Bartlett, Chris Fryer, Oleg Korobkin, Jonah Miller, Wendell Misch, Matthew Mumpower, Tony Shin, and Karl Smith. We collaborate actively with our colleagues throughout the laboratory and have close ties with ongoing efforts in experimental sciences.

The open positions provide an excellent opportunity for an early career scientist to develop an independent research program in the exciting field of nuclear astrophysics. Candidates with expertise in any of the aforementioned areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Exceptionally well qualified candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship or Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Postdoctoral positions at LANL are for two years with a possible third year contingent on funding and performance. Interested applicants should submit their application (CV, research statement, and three letters of recommendation) by Jan. 1, 2024, for full consideration.

The successful candidate will:

• Gain experience in theoretical and computational modeling of nuclear astrophysics phenomena.
• Publish research in leading scientific journals.
• Develop strong programming skills.
• Work both independently and in a team environment to solve problems in support of Laboratory missions.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

 

• Passion to learn and collaborate with researchers in the exciting field of nuclear astrophysics.
• Proficiency in modern programming environments (Python / C++ / Fortran90).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.

Education: Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, scientific computing, or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment, obtained no earlier than Jan 2019.

Desired Qualifications:
 

• Object oriented programming experience on both CPUs and GPUs.
• Knowledge of uncertainty quantification.
• ML / AI for physics applications.

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 $92,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Note to Applicants:
 

• For questions, please contact: Matthew Mumpower (mumpower@lanl.gov).
• Please arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to mumpower@lanl.gov. Reference letters sent via the applicant will not be considered.
• Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position(s) is(are) 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.