What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Nondestructtive Testing & Evaluation group (V-6) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with strong experimental and analytical skills. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to the development of new technologies for critical applications. This work involves complex experimental work, as well as significant data analysis and signal processing.
Our current work focuses on nondestructive techniques for material characterization (solids, liquids, gases), acoustical imaging, nonlinear acoustics, acoustic separations, detection of defects in materials and acoustically engineered materials. The work involves development of new techniques, customized instrumentation and validation of measurements in the field. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of new sensing technologies, patents and publications. There will be opportunities to work in a wide range of areas, to innovate, and present work to sponsors and conferences.
A background in ultrasonics/acoustics is not required, and thus candidates with strong hands-on experimental skills are encouraged to apply.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field, earned within the last five years or soon to be completed
Strong technical background in one or more of the following areas: signal processing, advanced data analysis, finite element analysis (especially COMSOL), ultrasonic techniques, nondestructive testing, structural mechanics, and machine learning
Fluency in one or more computer programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, Visual Basic, C++, LabVIEW, etc.)
Hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments
Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication record
Experience with complex experimental design/execution and associated data analysis
Demonstrated capability to act both creatively and independently to accomplish tasks given by senior personnel
Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires US citizenship)
Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field, earned within the last five years or soon to be completed
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of electronics and typical laboratory test instruments, such as function generators, oscilloscopes and piezoelectric transducers
Experience with CAD software
Experience in ultrasonic defects detection, acoustic imaging, or acoustic characterization of materials
Experience with acoustic instrumentation in harsh environments (high temperature, high pressure, corrosive media, radiation, etc.)
Experience with acoustic measurements in the frequency domain (e.g. ARS, RUS, SFAI, etc.)
Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible to learn new areas of research as needed
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:
Contact: Dr. Cristian Pantea, pantea@lanl.gov
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.
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. See DOE Order 472.2 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. 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:
Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
