Fiber Optic Sensing Post-Bachelor's Student

About the Role

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division (EES-17) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Post-Bachelor's Student to join a multidisciplinary research team developing advanced sensing and signal processing techniques for geophysical and national security applications. The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on characterizing energetic phenomena using advanced sensor technologies, including fiber optic sensing. Research activities span laboratory experiments, field deployments, and computational analysis, providing opportunities to work on projects ranging from experimental design and data collection to algorithm development and scientific interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Develop Python software to process, visualize, and analyze large scientific datasets from energetic experiments and geophysical monitoring campaigns.
• Apply digital signal processing, statistical methods, and machine learning techniques to detect, locate, and characterize signals.
• Develop and evaluate algorithms for scientific data analysis and event detection.
• Assist with laboratory experiments and field deployments, including sensor installation, data acquisition, and experimental setup.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers from multiple disciplines to solve challenging sensing problems.
• Present research results through technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.

Qualifications

• Experience with experimental measurements or field data collection.
• Strong programming experience with scientific Python (preferred) or in Matlab.
• Coursework or experience in digital signal processing, time series analysis, machine learning, or scientific computing.
• Experience with Linux and Git.
• Experience or coursework in optics, sensor systems, or geophysics.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively on a collaborative research team.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Anticipated travel to field sites at Los Alamos National Laboratory and within the United States.

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including 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 are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories.

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) (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).

Work Location

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