Advanced Detectors R&D Scientist; Scientist

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a highly motivated and technically accomplished R&D Scientist 3 to support the Advanced Detectors Team in a casual appointment.

The Advanced Detectors Team develops analytical instrumentation and methods for precision measurement and characterization of nuclear materials using advanced X-ray, gamma-ray, and decay-energy spectroscopy. Research supports basic science, international nuclear safeguards, nuclear nonproliferation, and national security applications.

The team's research portfolio includes advanced low-temperature detector technologies, including large arrays of transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters using microwave SQUID multiplexing readout and cryogenic systems operating below 0.1 K. These technologies provide ultra-high-resolution measurements that enable new approaches to nuclear material characterization and quantitative analysis.

A major objective of the Advanced Detectors effort is to increase the technology readiness level of microcalorimeter-based measurements and quantitative analysis methods and transition these technologies toward complete analytical instruments. These systems must reliably produce calibrated spectra and spectral images that can be interpreted by end users. Important areas of development include data-processing algorithms, quantitative spectral analysis, uncertainty quantification, instrument performance characterization, and implementation of analytical capabilities in accessible scientific software.

The selected candidate will apply significant technical expertise and independent judgment to support ongoing R&D activities and development of new measurement and analysis capabilities. Responsibilities may include:

• Lead and contribute to experimental R&D involving advanced radiation-detection and measurement systems.
• Develop and implement data-processing algorithms and quantitative spectral-analysis methods.
• Develop uncertainty-quantification approaches supporting high-precision measurements.
• Develop and maintain scientific software for data analysis, instrument operation, and user-facing analytical capabilities.
• Support development, testing, characterization, and operation of complex scientific instrumentation.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate technical conclusions.
• Provide technical leadership and influence project approaches and technical decision‑making.
• Contribute significantly to development of small‑to‑moderate‑scale research proposals.
• Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and other technical documentation.
• Present research results to internal and external technical audiences.
• Mentor students and early‑career staff and contribute to workforce development and laboratory‑based STEM instruction.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, technologists, students, and external research partners.

• Demonstrated experience developing data-processing algorithms, quantitative spectral-analysis methods, and uncertainty-quantification approaches.
• Demonstrated experience conducting high‑precision quantitative measurements and uncertainty analysis in physical science, analytical chemistry, engineering, nuclear safeguards, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience with ionizing‑radiation detection and measurement.
• Demonstrated experience with low‑temperature or cryogenic measurement systems or related complex scientific instrumentation.

• Advanced experience developing scientific‑computing, data‑analysis, or instrument‑control software.
• Demon…