Experimental Physics Postdoctoral Associate

About the role

P-1 Dynamic Imaging and Radiography, part of the Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates to perform research in advanced scintillator manufacturing, testing, and imaging camera diagnostics. LANL is an international leader in dynamic radiography in support of LANL's national security and stockpile modernization missions. P-1 operates the Los Alamos Proton Radiography Facility (pRad) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and is also part of a large team supporting x-ray radiography experiments at various LANL/DOE facilities. These facilities require ultrafast scintillators with high light yield to produce high detective quantum efficiency for neutral and charged particle detection.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

Responsibilities

• Development of advanced scintillator and imaging detector systems for high-resolution and short decay time scintillators. This R&D effort may include detector characterization, design optimization, and implementation in dynamic experiments.
• Analysis and interpretation of dynamic radiographic data, including development of quantitative image-analysis methods, image reconstruction, and comparison with physics and hydrodynamic models.
• Work with a large team of staff members including engineers, technologists, technicians, and other scientists to conduct experiments for proton and x-ray radiography.
• Publish results to the international community and engage in career development by speaking in a variety of venues.
• Join teams of other postdocs and staff members as well as university collaborators.
• Split time on x-ray and proton radiography detector development.

Requirements

• Strong background and publication record in experimental nuclear and particle physics, or a closely related field.
• Evidence of good communication skills.
• Education: A PhD in experimental physics or related field is required.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain a Q clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience in neutral or charged particle detection.
• Image acquisition and analysis or high-speed imaging.
• Particle detectors for nuclear and high energy physics.
• Data analysis of nuclear and particle physics experiments.
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis of waveforms.
• Experience in shock physics experiments.

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).