What You Will Do
Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions. The Center for Aerosol-gas Forensics (CAFE) team at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks an intellectually agile experimental postdoctoral researcher to validate next-generation nuclear fallout models.
You will lead laboratory measurements on fallout mimics and analyze the resulting data to validate microphysical models. Working alongside modelers, you will connect these measurements to high-temperature particle nucleation modeling and large eddy simulation of nuclear test data.
This research leverages CAFE's state-of-the-art particle microphysics and cloud chamber laboratory to generate the data that anchors robust fallout transport codes for nuclear deterrence and national security.
You will join the Modeling and Observations of Earth Systems Group within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, a collaborative, experimentally driven team that tackles strategic national security challenges. Our atmospheric science spans weapons effects, energy advancement, and environmental stewardship, with active collaborations across defense agencies and national laboratories.
What You Need
You will be an experimentalist with a background in aerosol measurements and atmospheric science, and a strong interest in data-driven experiment-model validation.
The role centers on running cloud chamber experiments, generating aerosol mass spectrometry data, and using Python to analyze those measurements and validate microphysical models.
You will work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of experimentalists and modelers, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national
Minimum Job Requirements:
Demonstrated expertise in aerosol measurements and microphysical analysis.
Experience analyzing aerosol mass spectrometry data.
Proficiency in Python for data analysis and model validation.
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research.
Strong written and oral communication, supported by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Desired Qualifications:
Candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:
Experience with large language model coding harnesses for scientific software development.
Experience with state-of-the-art aerosol chemistry and microphysics instruments.
Experience with particle microphysics and cloud measurements and analysis.
Experience or interest in atmospheric transport models and large eddy simulation.
Experience or interest in high-temperature particle nucleation.
Interest in running large-scale models on high-performance computing resources.
Interest in potential environmental issues for nuclear deterrence.
Education/Experience:
A Ph.D. in Atmospheric or Earth System Science, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Physics, or a related STEM field.
Candidates must have completed all Ph.D. requirements within the last five years, or complete them by the start of the appointment.
Essential Job Functions:
Physical: Able to operate instruments and perform experiments.
Take safety and security training to be compliant to be approved for Lifting.
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:
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 (https://int.lanl.gov/org/ddops/oma/prime-contract-management/applicable-directives/_assets/docs/DOE-O-206.2-Chg-2-LtdChg-Identity,-Credential,-and-Access-Management-ICAM-1.pdf) . 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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*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. SeeDOE Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-border-a-chg1-ltdchg/@@images/file) for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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.
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