NPAC Theory Group Lead: Shape of Physics

About the Position

The Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (NPAC) Group in Theoretical Division provides leadership on theoretical and applied nuclear physics, particle physics, plasma astrophysics and planetary formation, and their intersections. The group has a budget of approximately $25M and includes ~20 staff scientists and ~15 postdoctoral fellows, and provides laboratory, national and international leadership in NPAC science.

The group leader will develop and maintain a strong and diverse scientific effort in NPAC theory, including recruiting outstanding scientists to LANL and developing opportunities to support this science. T-2 has a strong tradition of recruiting and developing early career scientists into technical and scientific leadership roles. The group is funded in large part by support from DOE applied programs, Office of Science, NASA and laboratory LDRD.

The group maintains very strong ties with LANL, national, and international efforts in experimental NPAC science, including both basic science (medium energy and heavy‑ion research; neutrino physics including accelerator experiments and neutrinoless double beta decay; fundamental physics with neutrons pursued at LANL and at ORNL) and nuclear data and applied nuclear science (including fission and other experiments at LANSCE and experiments at NIF).

T-2 also has very strong efforts in computational science, including research in lattice QCD, nuclear structure and reactions, and astrophysics including space physics and planet formation. Recently T-2 has successfully pursued new opportunities in quantum computing funded in part by DARPA and Office of Science. These efforts and others are closely related to broader efforts in Theoretical Division as a whole.

The group leader's responsibilities include management of the group, working with the division management, promoting and maintaining fruitful scientific interactions with organizations at LANL working on NPAC, working with staff scientists to recruit and develop outstanding new scientific talent, to help develop new opportunities to support this research, and to develop the careers of graduate students, postdocs, and staff. The group leader must also conduct an active and vibrant research program at approximately 50% time effort.

• Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in one or more of the research areas described above; the ability to contribute technically to one or more group projects, and the ability to develop programs in associated technical areas.
• Effective and successful leadership experience, preferably in a scientific or technical team, group, or project setting.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, supervising, and facilitating the technical work of scientific researchers at all levels.
• Effective communication skills, which includes, for example, an ability to engage in technical conversations across disciplines, an ability to discuss program strategies with current and potential sponsors, an ability to delegate tasks to staff and administrators, and an ability to interact with all levels of Laboratory management.

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Research experience in theoretical or computational nuclear, particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, or closely related fields is strongly preferred.

• Experience building collaborative relationships across group, division, laboratory, and national boundaries.
• Experience proposing, developing, and sustaining research programs.
• Demonstrated record of recruitment and mentoring of excellent scientists.
• Active Q Clearance

This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

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