Energy Density Post-Doctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering group in Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position to join a multidisciplinary team investigating matter under extreme conditions such as generation of warm dense matter, isochoric heating, and relativistic laser‑plasma interaction. The project bridges high‑energy‑density (HED) physics with the development of novel materials. The candidate will design, execute, and interpret experiments conducted at HED facilities complemented by state‑of‑the‑art theory and high‑performance computing (HPC) simulations.

Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research and engaging in a broad set of activities across several scientific disciplines to address broader aspects of the laboratory's mission. In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to attend seminars of interest, utilize networking opportunities within the laboratory, and foster new collaborations. They will be expected to communicate their results through peer‑reviewed publications and to present their work at conferences and to sponsors.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Expertise in computer programming with languages such as Assembly, Python, C, C++, CUDA, GNU make, Visual Basic, Verilog, MATLAB, ROOT, and Mathematica.
• Expertise with physics simulation environments:
  Geant4, FEKO, and COMSOL Multiphysics to guide experiments.
• Experience with instrumentation, control, data acquisition, test, and measurements such as Lab View, CAEN digitizers, NIM/CAMAC equipment, Red Pitaya, and CAD design.
• Experience with computational statistical methods such as Monte Carlo, frequentist, and Bayesian statistics and signal clustering.
• Experience in designing and conducting HED experiments (laser, pulsed‑power, gas‑gun, or shock) and associated diagnostics.
• Experience analyzing multimodal data sets (spectroscopy, imaging, interferometry) using Python, Mathematica, and statistical tools.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and the required cover letter.
• Ability to participate collaboratively with team members and subject matter experts coupled with self‑motivation to work independently and become a technical leader.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (e.g., FTIR, optical imaging (Keyence microscope), XRD, SEM/EDS).
• Willingness and desire to learn new skills and work on emerging projects.
• Ability to obtain a Q‑clearance.

Education/

Experience:

A Ph.D. in physics. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within five years of completion of the Ph.D.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Ability to collaborate with national user facilities and interdisciplinary groups within the laboratory.
• Ability to create and handle export‑controlled information.

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

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.
• 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).

Q clearance. Applicants selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified material.

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.

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.