Energy Density Science Postdoc Initiator

Position: High Energy Density Science Postdoc for Initiator Applications
** What You Will Do*
* The Q-6 Detonation Science and Technology Group is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position spanning experimental and computational physics for high energy density (HED) science.

Research in Q-6 spans the fundamental physics and applied science of energetic materials, detonators, and rapidly evolving hydrodynamic phenomena in support of national security missions. This position emphasizes short-pulse laser plasma physics relevant to ultrafast radiography platforms and detonator-related HED plasmas, including Exploding Foil Initiators (EFI), Exploding Bridgewires (EBW), and Optical Initiators (OI).

Key research activities include experimental and/or modeling efforts in initiator plasma physics, laser-plasma interactions, laser-driven radiation sources, and the development of ultrafast radiography techniques for imaging HED phenomena.

The successful candidate will contribute to building and/or modeling of a new radiography capability driven by a 10 TW Ti:

Sapphire laser focused to relativistic intensities. Radiation sources will include betatron x-rays from laser-wakefield acceleration and bremsstrahlung x-rays from laser-solid interactions.

Offsite experimental campaigns are anticipated at facilities including or similar to the Zetawatt Equivalent Ultrashort Pulse (ZEUS), Colorado State University (CSU) Petawatt, and Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) facilities, as well as the Advanced Photon Source (APS) synchrotron. Depending on project needs, responsibilities may include experiment design and execution, diagnostics development, data analysis, and hydrodynamic modeling of HED systems.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* Applicants should clearly address each of the following requirements in their cover letter:

+ Q clearance:
The selected applicant will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, which requires U.S. citizenship

+  Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in experimental and/or computational physics or a very closely related discipline.

+  Ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to peer-reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and oral or poster conference presentations.

+ Demonstrate a commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative.

** Education/

Experience:

** A Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.

** Desired

Qualifications:

*
* + Applicants should clearly address each of the following qualifications in their cover letter:

+

Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.

+ Hybrid candidates with experience spanning both experimental and modeling efforts are particularly encouraged to apply.

+ Hands-on experience with laser-driven radiation sources or HED experimental platforms

+ Radiation detection, spectroscopy, or radiography

+ Development or use of optical, x-ray, or particle diagnostics

+ High-power laser-matter interactions

+  Hands-on experience with laser-driven radiation sources or HED experimental platforms

+ Leveraging simulations to guide experimental design, interpret radiographic data, and inform diagnostic development

+ Use of large-scale hydrodynamic simulation frameworks for as FLASH, FLAG, HYDRA, ALEGRA, or similar.

+ Use of kinetic simulation frameworks, particularly Particle-in-Cell, such as EPOCH, VPIC, SMILEI, OSIRIS, or similar.

** Note to Applicants:*
* Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes:

1. Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum

Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications

2. Current CV including publications

3. Summary of your current and recent research projects. Figures, tables, and schemes are encouraged

** Q Clearance:
** Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.

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.

Application reviews will begin the first week of July, 2025 and continue until this position is filled.

Location

*
* 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.

** Note to Applicants:*
* 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 ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the…