Postdoctoral Research Associate
Listed on 2026-06-15
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Engineering
Research Scientist, Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering
What You Will Do
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 provides support for numerous accelerator projects. These projects include 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 performs research on cutting edge accelerator technology, which includes 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. Applicants with very strong skills in related fields of science and engineering may be considered, as training opportunities in accelerator science are available, both on the job, and through the US Particle Accelerator School.
You Need
- Either (1) practical experience assembling hardware, operating complex experiments, recording and analyzing experimental data, and interpreting results, or (2) 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 trouble‑shooting 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 Solidworks.
- 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/Parmila, 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 for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
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 the accelerator tunnels with low levels of radiation (no significant confined space exposure), and potential electric hazard.
Salary:
Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD 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)
Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
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…
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