What You Will Do
The Shock & Detonation Physics Group (M-9) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has openings for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates. Our work utilizes dynamic drivers (explosives, single- and two-stage gas guns, lasers) and static high pressures (diamond anvil cells, Paris-Edinburgh presses) to study fundamental physics and chemistry of relevance to the behavior of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures. We also perform experiments at synchrotron and free electron laser user facilities such as the Dynamic Compression Sector and the High Pressure Collaborative Access Team (HPCAT) at the Advance Photon Source, the Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC, Sandia's Z-machine, DESY, and the European XFEL. Our research informs multiscale models for equations of state used in the DOE's science-based stockpile modernization assessment. We seek outstanding internally motivated candidates interested in shock physics or detonation physics. Prior experience in high pressure research is desired, but less important than a solid background in experimentation, a strong intellectual curiosity, and meticulous laboratory skills. Potential research areas include:
Equations of state and detonation properties of high explosives
Equations of state and phase changes of inert materials, such as polymers, foams, ceramics, and metals
Novel measurements and diagnostic development capable of elucidating material properties under single event dynamic loading conditions
The postdoctoral program at LANL enables successful candidates to tailor the direction of their research projects to best align with their background and interests, as well as the needs of our programmatic sponsors.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Safety Practice
Demonstrated ability to work safely and productively in a fast-paced team setting with minimal supervision.
Experience in experimental scientific research and development.
Communication
Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, and experience interacting with personnel at all levels.
Ability to explain and present technical information, both verbally and in written form, to an audience with varied technical backgrounds.
Clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Department of Energy (DOE) Q Clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, or a closely-related field earned within 5 years of the anticipated start date.
Desired Qualifications:
Technical Knowledge
Experience with dynamic experiments or high-strain-rate mechanics
Experience performing research on high explosive materials
Experience as a user at facilities such as synchrotrons or XFELs
Experience with velocimetry, high speed imaging, pyrometry, X-ray, or laser-based diagnostics.
Experience using oscilloscopes and instrumentation to acquire short duration, single occurrence events
Systems & Tools
Experience with computer programming languages for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python).
Clearance
Active DOE Q clearance (or equivalent)
Work Location:
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.
Note to Applicants:
Applicants should submit a CV and a detailed cover letter. Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three confidential letters of recommendation.
The initial appointment will be for a period of two years and will be renewable for a third year contingent upon progress and funding availability. The successful
applicant(s) will be also considered for prestigious Director's Funded and named Fellowships at LANL (more information about these can be found at: Postdoc Appointment Types (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, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 (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.
Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent
upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) for additional information.
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.
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.
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