Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements. Los Alamos

Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements

Location:

Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization: ISR-8/Space Nuclear Sensing

The Space Nuclear Sensing Group (ISR-8) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to national security programs involving radiation detection and nuclear sensing. ISR-8 develops radiation sensing technologies, instrumentation, and physics‑based interpretation for x‑ray, gamma‑ray, and neutron detection in support of national security and space science missions. The group performs detector development, radiation transport modeling, and end‑to‑end mission analysis in close collaboration with engineering partners.

The successful candidate will conduct experimental research in radiation detection with emphasis on detector characterization, experimental measurements, and data analysis. Responsibilities include designing and performing radiation measurements, operating and testing detector systems, and analyzing experimental data to evaluate detector performance. Candidates with experience in radiation detector systems, experimental measurements, or radiation data analysis are especially encouraged to apply.

• Experimental characterization of radiation detectors for x‑ray, gamma‑ray, and neutron sensing; design and execution of laboratory and field measurement campaigns
• Operation, calibration, and testing of radiation detection systems
• Analysis and interpretation of radiation measurement data, including statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification
• Comparison of experimental results with simulations to evaluate detector performance

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers across ISR and other LANL divisions and will contribute to the development and evaluation of radiation sensing systems for national security and space applications. The position may include opportunities to support the development, integration, and testing of radiation detection payloads for spaceflight missions, including flight‑ready instrumentation.

• Demonstrated experience in experimental radiation detection or detector characterization
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory or field experiments
• Experience analyzing experimental data, including statistical methods
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar scientific computing languages
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally
• Strong technical documentation and record‑keeping practices

• Experience with x‑ray, gamma‑ray, or neutron detection systems
• Experience with detector electronics, data acquisition systems, or instrumentation
• Familiarity with the space radiation environment or space‑based sensing

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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, 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.

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 a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and…