Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements

What You Will Do

The Space Nuclear Sensing Group (ISR-8) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to national security programs involving radiation detection and nuclear sensing. ISR-8 develops radiation sensing technologies, instrumentation, and physics-based interpretation for x‑ray, gamma‑ray, and neutron detection in support of national security and space science missions. The group performs detector development, radiation transport modeling, and end‑to‑end mission analysis in close collaboration with engineering partners.

The successful candidate will conduct experimental research in radiation detection with emphasis on detector characterization, experimental measurements, and data analysis. Responsibilities include designing and performing radiation measurements, operating and testing detector systems, and analyzing experimental data to evaluate detector performance.

• Experimental characterization of radiation detectors for x‑ray, gamma‑ray, and neutron sensing.

• Demonstrated experience in experimental radiation detection or detector characterization.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory or field experiments.
• Experience analyzing experimental data, including statistical methods.
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar scientific computing languages.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Strong technical documentation and record‑keeping practices.

• Experience with x‑ray, gamma‑ray, or neutron detection systems.
• Experience with detector electronics, data acquisition systems, or instrumentation.
• Familiarity with the space radiation environment or space‑based sensing.

On‑site at Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note:

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including LANL.

• 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).

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Position requires a Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Depending on the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens.

New‑Employment Drug Test:
The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized marijuana use, use and possession remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Internal Applicants:
Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout…