Experimental Nuclear Physics Postdoc

What You Will Do

The low-energy nuclear physics team (P-3) in LANL's Physics Division is looking for two or more postdoctoral researchers to work on direct and indirect measurements of neutron-induced reactions. The successful candidate will perform measurements, analysis, and/or development with the suite of instruments located at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), including the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE), the Low‑Energy (n,Z) (LENZ) Instrument, the Chi‑Nu Prompt Fission Neutron Instrument, the Correlated Gamma‑Neutron Array for cCattering (CoGNAC), the Spatially REsolved Fission Tracker and TPC (SREFT), the SPecrometer for Ion DEtermination Research (SPIDER), and the Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER).

These instruments exploit the unique time‑of‑flight neutron beams at LANSCE, produced via spallation and covering incident neutron energies from sub‑thermal to 800 MeV. New capabilities are under development, including a novel Neutron Target Facility for inverse‑kinematics measurements and current opportunities with the Neutron Target Demonstrator and ASTRA facility. Experimental campaigns also occur at other university‑based and national laboratory accelerator facilities.

Research areas in the group include studies of nuclear astrophysics (s‑process, r‑process, heavy‑element synthesis), nuclear structure (gamma‑ray spectroscopy, level density, photon strength function), nuclear reactions, and fission process studies. The group collaborates closely with LANL’s Theory Division, nuclear physics and astrophysics theory groups, and rad‑hydro modeling teams in nuclear applications. Opportunities for collaboration outside of P‑3 include work with nuclear engineers on spallation physics applications, radio chemists on radioactive target fabrication, and groups developing simulations for real‑world applications.

Highly qualified applicants will be considered for Director’s or Agnew National Security Postdoctoral Fellowships, and exceptional candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear engineering, or related fields.
• Ability to carry out independent research and collaborate effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Experience with particle or gamma‑ray detector development or implementation.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation tools for particle/gamma‑ray modeling.
• Experience with nuclear reaction models.
• Experience with detector electronics and data‑acquisition design.
• Experience with numerical methods or computational physics.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux and scripting languages (e.g., Python).
• Experience or expertise with machine‑learning approaches.

Education:

A Ph.D. in physics or a related field completed within the last five years (or soon to be completed) is required. Exceptions can be made; please inquire if relevant.

Work location:

onsite, Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution dedicated to strategic science for national security.

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with nationwide coverage.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages for distances beyond 50 mi.

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, 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 committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.