Computational Physics Post-Doc Research Associate

About the role

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J-6) Group, within the Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join our team and contribute to important challenges relevant to intense relativistic electron beams. This position focuses on advanced research in beam-target and plasma interaction physics, with an emphasis on high-fidelity simulation and experiment integration.

Responsibilities

• Validation of particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations with DARHT experimental data
• Development of predictive modeling capabilities for beam/plasma interactions
• Design and optimization of diagnostics for beam/plasma experiments
• Simulation and analysis of beam transport for existing beamline upgrades and next-generation designs

Requirements

• Demonstrated skills in particle beam transport and/or plasma theory
• Excellent scientific record of publications
• The ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment
• Self-motivated and independent researcher who has demonstrated experience as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, or Similar (completed within the last 5 years)
• Experience modeling dense plasma
• Experience with particle-in-cell methods
• Experience simulating and/or designing charged particle transport beamlines
• Familiarity with Python and/or C

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to speak
• Ability to discriminate speech
• Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz)
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Typing or keyboarding
• Lifting 5-10 pounds
• Carrying 5-10 pounds

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants

Please apply for the position online. The position has an initial appointment of two years. Additional information on salary ranges and other benefits can be found online at http://www.lanl.gov/postdocs/.

Additional Information

• Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. 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.
• 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.
• 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 the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader.