Accelerator Physicist (Scientist 2/3)

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

About the Role

The Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J-6) Group is seeking an Accelerator Physicist (Scientist 2 or 3). This full-time, on-site role is located at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).

J-6 operates, maintains, and enhances the DARHT accelerators, a critical resource for LANL's hydrodynamic test mission. The group encompasses accelerator physics and diagnostics, pulse-power systems, mechanical and control systems, spanning a wide range of disciplines and technologies.

We seek individuals with a background in experimental studies relevant to an intense relativistic electron beam (IREB) facility, including beam generation, acceleration, transport, and utilization. Specific areas of interest include:

• Development and experimental validation of IREB physics models and tunes based on reduced-order models, including higher-order models.
• Characterization and diagnosis of beam interactions with highly collisional, high-Z plasmas.
• Radiofrequency and high-frequency phenomena associated with IREB operation.
• Intense, flash, photon source characterization up to 20 MeV energies.
• Development of physics studies leveraging facilities throughout the U.S. to advance DARHT-relevant research.

Responsibilities

Scientist 2 ($106,400 - $176,000):

• Support DARHT beam operations and conduct independent research and development via analytical, experimental, and model-based methods.
• Propose, conduct, analyze, and disseminate original research on DARHT accelerators, experimental platforms, and supporting facilities.
• Develop subject-matter expertise in DARHT accelerators, experimental platforms, analysis and operations codes, and support systems.
• Serve as a reviewer for research proposals related to DARHT accelerators and platforms.
• Participate in diagnosing failures or malfunctions in the DARHT facility and assist in developing solutions.
• Adhere to Formality of Operations principles, including Conduct of Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Training.

Scientist 3 ($128,000 - $215,900):

In addition to the Scientist 2 responsibilities, the candidate will:

• Interact with groups within J Division and the broader Laboratory to address DARHT-relevant challenges.
• Participate in developing system requirements for existing and future accelerator systems and experimental platforms.
• Provide subject-matter expertise for experiments and operations at DARHT.
• Lead research, design, testing, and analysis of new accelerator systems and technology solutions.
• Propose and disseminate new facility capabilities or operational models to improve DARHT efficiency.
• Lead and coordinate DARHT-relevant research within the Laboratory.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements for Scientist 2:

• Publication History: Demonstrated proficiency in peer-reviewed publications in one or more of the following: accelerator physics, accelerator technologies, plasma physics, charged particle physics, diagnostic systems, x-ray sources, data analysis, materials characterization, or related fields.
• Adherence to Scientific Integrity: Advocacy for and adherence to principles of scientific integrity.
• Technical Research: Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research, including hypothesis formulation, testing, and solution recommendation.
• Safety Knowledge: Significant knowledge and experience in safe practices for technical work.
• Presentation Skills: Experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries.

Additional Requirements for Scientist 3:

• Leadership: Contributes to large-scale technical projects and sets direction for solving laboratory-wide challenges.
• Scientific Acumen: Develops innovative concepts, theories, and methods to address specialized problems and promotes new technical capabilities.
• Technical Innovator: Leads technical decision-making and influences key programmatic objectives.
• Project Management: Develops and implements project management plans, including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Development Capability: Acquires internal/external funding and fosters an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

Education/Experience for Scientist 2: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 4 years of relevant experience, typically including post-doctoral research or equivalent.

Education/Experience for Scientist 3: Master's degree in a STEM field with 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Familiarity with scientific analysis tools in languages such as IDL, Python, and/or MATLAB.
• Experience with accelerator operations or similar large-scale scientific facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experimental systems.
• Knowledge of project planning and control methods.
• Experience working under formal conduct of operations in complex facilities (e.g., accelerators, nuclear reactors).
• Leadership skills, including mentoring and overseeing experimental system design and development.

Benefits

• 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) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to speak and discriminate speech.
• Hearing in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz).
• Sitting, standing, walking, typing/keyboarding.
• Lifting and carrying 5-10 pounds.

Work Environment

• Outdoors, confined spaces, heights, underground.
• Working alone, overtime, or irregular schedules.
• Domestic/foreign travel and operation of motor vehicles.
• Work with weapons, explosives, vibrating equipment, machinery with moving parts.
• Exposure to toxic/irritant chemicals, dusts, powders, sprays, mists, vapors, fumes, carcinogens.
• Required PPE: hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, headgear, safety glasses, face shields, masks/respirators.

Work location: Onsite at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM.

Position commitment: 1 year of continuous service in the current role is required to apply for other Laboratory jobs.

Citizenship requirement: Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China, Iran, North Korea, or the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing this facility.

Clearance: Q clearance required. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation.