Atmospheric Aerosol Experiments Postdoctoral Researcher

About the Role

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions. The Center for Aerosol-gas Forensics (CAFE) team at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks an intellectually agile experimental postdoctoral researcher to validate next-generation nuclear fallout models. You will lead laboratory measurements on fallout mimics and analyze the resulting data to validate microphysical models. Working alongside modelers, you will connect these measurements to high-temperature particle nucleation modeling and large eddy simulation of nuclear test data. This research leverages CAFE's state-of-the-art particle microphysics and cloud chamber laboratory to generate the data that anchors robust fallout transport codes for nuclear deterrence and national security.

You will join the Modeling and Observations of Earth Systems Group within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, a collaborative, experimentally driven team that tackles strategic national security challenges. Our atmospheric science spans weapons effects, energy advancement, and environmental stewardship, with active collaborations across defense agencies and national laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory measurements on fallout mimics and analyze the resulting data to validate microphysical models.
• Run cloud chamber experiments and generate aerosol mass spectrometry data.
• Use Python to analyze measurements and validate microphysical models.
• Collaborate with modelers to connect measurements to high-temperature particle nucleation modeling and large eddy simulation of nuclear test data.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national conferences.
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of experimentalists and modelers.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in aerosol measurements and microphysical analysis.
• Experience analyzing aerosol mass spectrometry data.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and model validation.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research.
• Strong written and oral communication, supported by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• A Ph.D. in Atmospheric or Earth System Science, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Physics, or a related STEM field. Candidates must have completed all Ph.D. requirements within the last five years, or complete them by the start of the appointment.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with large language model coding harnesses for scientific software development.
• Experience with state-of-the-art aerosol chemistry and microphysics instruments.
• Experience with particle microphysics and cloud measurements and analysis.
• Experience or interest in atmospheric transport models and large eddy simulation.
• Experience or interest in high-temperature particle nucleation.
• Interest in running large-scale models on high-performance computing resources.
• Interest in potential environmental issues for nuclear deterrence.

Essential Job Functions

• Able to operate instruments and perform experiments.
• Take safety and security training to be compliant for lifting.

Work Location

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

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders), are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance. 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. Obtaining a Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, 712.11. These requirements include ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same 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).