Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title
:
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location
:
Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization
: AOT-AE / Applied Electrodynamics

Minimum Salary
:

Maximum Salary
:

The Applied Electrodynamics Group (AOT-AE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking to hire one or more Postdoctoral Research Associates in accelerator science. Exceptional candidates will be eligible for nomination for the Director’s Postdoctoral Fellowship. The AOT-AE group is situated at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) accelerator site in Los Alamos, NM. AOT-AE performs accelerator research, design, and commissioning, and supports numerous accelerator projects including LANSCE accelerator operations and upgrade, SCORPIUS/ECSE, development of compact accelerators for global security and space applications, and local accelerator test stands for research and development.

The group researches cutting‑edge accelerator technology, such as ion and electron sources, photocathodes, radio‑frequency structures, and novel particle‑beam transport schemes. The successful applicant will contribute to one or more of these projects.

• Either practical experience assembling hardware, operating complex experiments, recording and analyzing experimental data, and interpreting results; or strong simulation and design experience, including comparison of results with experimental data.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the principles of electrodynamics and graduate‑level mechanics.
• Demonstrated strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Education/

Experience:

Position requires a Ph.D. in accelerator science, physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience assembling, operating, and troubleshooting accelerators, RF systems, electron or ion sources, and accelerator diagnostics.
• Demonstrated experience designing, installing, and commissioning accelerators and accelerator components.
• Demonstrated familiarity with hazards of accelerator R&D and operations.
• Experience with CAD packages, such as Solid Works.
• Experience with RF component simulation using software such as CST Studio, COMSOL, Ansys HFSS, or similar tools.
• Experience with beam dynamics simulation codes such as Elegant, Parmela/Parlama, GPT, or similar tools.
• Demonstrated familiarity with data analysis tools and controls software such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or IDL.
• Excellent publication record.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Work Location
:
The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Essential Job Functions
:
Reading vision, ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, typing or keyboarding, fine motor control.

Work Environment
:
Work is mostly performed in indoor laboratory or office environments. Some work may be required in accelerator tunnels with low levels of radiation and potential electric hazard. No significant confined space exposure.

Salary
:
Competitive salaries are based on the date the Ph.D. degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $97,000.

• 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).

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 applicable 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.