Staff Scientist in Applied Nuclear Theory; Scientists

What You Will Do

The Applied Theoretical Nuclear Physics team in the Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (T-2) group at the Theoretical Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking outstanding candidates for a staff scientist position to work on applied nuclear physics for reactions on medium mass nuclei and actinides.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop theoretical nuclear models and computational codes and, using these and other tools, to produce peer‑reviewed publications and physical data, such as evaluated nuclear data for the ENDF U.S. nuclear data library.
• A strong background and an established record of high‑quality research in one or more of the subjects of fission theory, nuclear reaction and/or structure theory, and nuclear data evaluation is required.
• This position will be carried out with colleagues at national laboratories, in academia, and in international efforts, particularly those related to nuclear data evaluation such as the Cross Section Evaluation Working Group (CSEWG), the U.S. Nuclear Data Program (USNDP) data library, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• The Applied Theoretical Nuclear Physics team has close ties with basic research teams in T-2 in nuclear, astrophysics, and quantum computing, and we work frequently with experimental and computational groups at Los Alamos, relationships that the new hire would be expected to strengthen.
• The successful candidate will be expected to publish in technical, peer‑review journals, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and work effectively across organizational boundaries within the Laboratory, and with the international nuclear physics community.

In addition to above details, the candidate is expected to have demonstrated leadership skills through active collaboration with LANL researchers, international colleagues, and industry partners.

• Experience in research and development with demonstrated record of publication
• Working knowledge of theoretical nuclear reaction models and codes
• Experience in reaction/structure theory of medium‑mass nuclei/actinides
• Demonstrated ability to write computer programs in modern languages
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally

• Lead and guide interdisciplinary teams consisting of nuclear theory, experiment, and application, to develop new theoretical and computational tools for prediction of nuclear reactions
• Recruit and mentor postdocs and junior staff
• Provide leadership in preparing proposals that guide future research directions of the group

Education/Experience at lower level: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post‑doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics or a closely related field
• Demonstrated contributions to the area of nuclear reactions, including fission.
• Previous data evaluation experience
• Ease of collaboration with experimentalists.
• Some experience with team building and proposal writing.
• Able to foster an environment of creativity and intellectual vibrancy.
• Multidisciplinary approach to research.
• Ability to obtain Q clearance.

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

Regular appointment employees are required…