Spallation Physics & Target Neutronics — Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

Join the Radiation Effects & Radiography team supporting operations at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), a premier experimental facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANSCE’s high‑power linear accelerator drives 800‑MeV protons onto tungsten spallation targets, producing neutrons from thermal energies up to several hundred MeV. These beams enable a broad portfolio of national‑impact science and technology across five user facilities: the Lujan Center, Weapons Neutron Research (WNR), Ultra‑Cold Neutron (UCN) Source, Proton Radiography (pRad), and the Isotope Production Facility (IPF).

The Spallation Physics Team designs and optimizes spallation targets, radiological shielding, neutron transport, and background reduction across experimental areas while supporting daily facility operations.

• Develop and maintain CAD and mesh‑based models informed by 3D scans (LiDAR, laser tracker).
• Design and simulate spallation targets, moderators, reflectors, and shielding using MCNP or comparable transport codes.
• Analyze experimental and simulation data; validate models against measurements.
• Automate workflows with Python; maintain reproducible analyses using Git.
• Document methods and results; present to internal reviews and external users.
• Support safe, reliable operations in LANSCE experimental areas.

• Strong desire to learn and grow technically; proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
• Effective communication and teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated experience with MCNP or other particle‑transport codes (e.g., Geant4, FLUKA, PHITS).
• Data‑analysis experience (experimental and/or simulation).
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Python.

• Comfortable with UNIX/Linux environments.
• Contributions to both experimental (hands‑on) and simulation work.
• Strong scripting:
  Bash and Python; familiarity with Fortran, C/C++, or Perl is a plus.
• Skilled with CAD (Solid Works, Inventor, Space Claim).
• Practical experience with 3D scanning/meshing/CAD and 3D printing.
• Experience using LiDAR or laser trackers.
• Uses Git for version control and team workflows.
• Demonstrated creative, unconventional problem‑solving.
• Robotics exposure (not required).
• ML/AI in scientific workflows: experience with surrogate/emulator modeling and Bayesian optimization for design; computer vision for point‑cloud/mesh/scan processing; uncertainty quantification or active learning; common libraries/tools such as scikit‑learn, PyTorch or Tensor Flow, OpenCV.

Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $97,000. For more information go to the Postdoc Program website at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Ph.D. in physics, engineering, or a closely related field, earned within the last five years (or soon to be completed).

Los Alamos, NM.

Interested candidates must submit their application (CV and cover letter) through the online application system and send a CV, cover letter, and three recommendation letters to svoboda.

No clearance is required. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.

To apply, log in to your LANL Jobs account, click the vacancy name number (in blue) to view details, and then click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. If you do not have an account, follow the instructions in the application portal to create one. If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp for assistance.

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