Computational Physics Post-Doc Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Dual‑Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J‑6) Group, within the Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join our team and contribute to important challenges relevant to intense relativistic electron beams. This position focuses on advanced research in beam‑target and plasma interaction physics, with an emphasis on high‑fidelity simulation and experiment integration.

• Validation of particle‑in‑cell (PIC) simulations with DARHT experimental data
• Development of predictive modeling capabilities for beam/plasma interactions
• Design and optimization of diagnostics for beam/plasma experiments
• Simulation and analysis of beam transport for existing beamline upgrades and next‑generation designs

J‑6 is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and advancement of the DARHT accelerators‑critical assets supporting Los Alamos National Laboratory's hydrodynamic testing mission.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated skills in particle beam transport and/or plasma theory.
• Excellent scientific record of publications.
• The ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Self‑motivated and independent researcher who has demonstrated experience as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/

Experience:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, or Similar (completed within the last 5 years).

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience modeling dense plasma
• Experience with particle‑in‑cell methods
• Experience simulating and/or designing charged particle transport beamlines
• Familiarity with Python and/or C

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Typing or keyboarding, lifting 5-10 pounds, Carrying 5-10 pounds.

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.

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 U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

* 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. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Benefits:

• 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
• Research‑grade 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and PTO
• 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 federal, state, and local laws and regulations.