Postdoctoral position is available in the Space Science and Applications group (ISR-1). This is a two-year position with the possibility of an extension to a third year. ISR-1 does world-class space and astrophysical sciences and develops the associated technologies which are applied to detect, characterize, and respond to national security threats. Our capabilities are broad-based and cover the gamut from mission concept to sensor design/manufacture/calibration, as well as spacecraft integration, mission operations, data analysis, and theory. ISR-1 is engaged in a number of pioneering space missions with NASA to enhance our underlying expertise in basic research and contribute to our technology base. Those programs cover a number of disciplines, including magnetospheric physics, planetary exploration, astrophysics, gamma-ray astronomy, optical transient detection, space situational awareness, and solar-terrestrial interactions. Candidates are sought for a postdoctoral position developing advanced X-ray, gamma-ray, neutron, and energetic particle sensing instruments. This could involve work on new detector arrays, data analysis, simulation and modeling efforts, algorithm development, or data fusion for multi-wavelength data systems. ISR-1 is proud of our international reputation in nuclear phenomenology and proliferation-detection expertise. We are engaged in programs supported by DOE, DOD, NASA, DHS, and other US government agencies. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to some of our most critical missions in national security, and advances in space and astrophysical sciences.

Minimum Job Requirements: 

We seek applicants with experience and interest in the design, modeling, simulation, and development of advanced sensing instruments for energetic radiation and charged particles in space or similarly complex instrumentation developed, for example, for experimental physics or analytical laboratories. Experience with hardware, analysis, and modeling of data from past or current operating instruments is desirable. A demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team, with good communication skills, is important.

Desired Skills: 

Expertise in one or more of the following areas is also highly desirable: X-Ray, gamma-ray, neutron, charged particle detectors; analog and digital pulse processing electronics; data analysis (ROOT, MATLAB, IDL); Monte Carlo simulation of radiation passage through matter (MCNP/X, Geant4); programming languages (C/C++, Python).

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.  LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Notes to Applicants:  For more information you can contact Alexei Klimenko at Klimenko@lanl.gov. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.  We welcome and encourage applications from the broadest possible range of qualified candidates.  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 1-505-665-5627.