What You Will Do
The Nuclear and Particle Physics and Applications Group (P-3), Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral research associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics. In particular, we are seeking exceptional candidates to join us and work in the field of fundamental neutron physics, where neutrons are used as probes in precision experiments to test the Standard Model of particle physics and search for physics beyond it. LANL is leading major efforts in this field, operating a unique ultracold neutron source. Our current efforts include: (1) a measurement of the neutron lifetime using bottled ultra-cold neutrons (the UCNτ+ experiment), (2) development of a new room temperature experiment to search for the neutron electric dipole moment using the LANL ultracold neutron source (LANL nEDM experiment), (3) development of a new experiment to search for the 129Xe electric dipole moment, and (4) development of applications of ultracold neutrons to studies of material properties relevant to the Laboratory's mission.
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to one or more of the efforts described above and lead specific research efforts within them, with responsibilities and scope tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications and to research needs. These efforts may include apparatus development, experimental measurements, data analysis, or simulation.
The successful candidate will join teams of other postdocs and staff members as well as university collaborators and will have the opportunity to publish results to the international community and engage in career development by speaking in a variety of venues. The P-3 group also carries out research in low-energy neutron-nuclear scattering; high-energy collider physics; and applications of machine learning / super intelligence to experimental physics design, control, and data analysis; while the Physics Division hosts a broad array of efforts and capabilities in fundamental and applied experimental physics, including neutrinos, fundamental symmetry tests, plasma physics, and applications of fundamental physics technologies and techniques to applied mission problems. Opportunities to collaborate in this broader spectrum of research are possible and encouraged.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Strong background and publication record in experimental nuclear and particle physics or a closely related field.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to technical or scientific problems.
- Ability to document methods, procedures, and results clearly, thoroughly, and in a timely manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team, follow established procedures, and respect organizational responsibilities.
Desired Qualifications:
Prior experience with one or more of the following is not required but is desired:
- Precision measurements in atomic, nuclear, particle, or astroparticle physics
- Electric dipole moment experiments
- Experiments that use ultra-cold neutrons or cold neutrons
- Experience with ultracold neutron sources
- Particle detectors for nuclear and high energy physics
- Data analysis of nuclear and particle physics experiments
- Experience with high voltage systems
- Precision magnetometry
- Simulation and data analysis
- Particle transport simulation
Education: A PhD in experimental nuclear physics or related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed is required.
Work Environment:
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.
Note to Applicants:
For further technical information, please contact Dr. Takeyasu Ito at 505-606-1985 or ito@lanl.gov , or Dr. Steven Clayton at 505- 665-2827 or sclayton@lanl.gov .
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
For general information go to https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php
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 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.
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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947. 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:
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