Scientist 2/3

This position is open for external candidates only and will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned at the higher level.

About the Role

The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group, ISR-6, at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a scientist to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in remote sensing, data science, image processing, signal processing, machine learning, and sensor data exploitation. ISR-6 develops advanced methods and technologies for collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting data from space, airborne, ground-based, and laboratory remote-sensing systems.

We are interested in candidates with strong technical foundations in image processing, signal processing, statistical analysis, computational modeling, scientific data analysis, or applied machine learning/AI. Experience with any specific sensing phenomenology is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities

• Developing algorithms for processing, analyzing, and interpreting image, spectral, time-series, RF, optical, or other sensor data
• Applying statistical, mathematical, machine-learning, AI, or physics-informed methods to detection, estimation, characterization, and inference problems
• Supporting source-to-sensor modeling, including source behavior, propagation, sensor response, and measurement uncertainty
• Analyzing experimental or field-collected data and comparing results with theoretical, simulated, or modeled expectations
• Contributing to the design, characterization, calibration, and optimization of sensing systems and instruments
• Participating in laboratory, field, or deployment activities to collect and evaluate remote-sensing data
• Communicating technical results through reports, presentations, publications, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams
• Supporting field experiments at national and, as needed, international locations

Requirements

The successful candidate will have many of the following qualifications:

• Background in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, data science, or a related technical field
• Experience conducting basic or applied research, engineering development, or technical analysis relevant to sensing, imaging, signal processing, scientific computing, machine learning, or sensor data analysis
• Working knowledge of image processing, signal processing, statistical analysis, numerical methods, machine learning, or related data-analysis techniques
• Experience using scientific programming tools or languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Julia, IDL, or similar
• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for leveraging modern AI/agentic systems to accelerate scientific research, software development, data analysis, or engineering workflows
• Familiarity with one or more types of sensor or measurement systems, which may include cameras, focal plane arrays, optical systems, RF systems, acoustic/vibration sensors, spectral sensors, data-acquisition systems, laboratory instrumentation, or field sensors
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Clear written and oral communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical reports, presentations, or publications
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship

Additional Requirements for Scientist 3

• Extensive experience applying image/signal processing, statistical methods, applied math, machine learning, or scientific computing to complex problems
• Proven ability to develop, implement, or improve algorithms for sensor data analysis
• Experience handling various data types, including imagery, spectral, time-series, RF, optical, vibration, or multi-sensor data
• Familiarity with advanced areas such as Fourier analysis, estimation theory, sparse signal methods, image reconstruction, spectral analysis, sensor fusion, machine learning, anomaly detection, physics-informed ML, scalable data processing, or sensor calibration
• Ability to link physical concepts, data traits, and computational techniques for effective analysis
• Experience leading technical tasks or mentoring, coordinating teams, or contributing to proposals

Qualifications

Scientist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Scientist 3: Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Skills

Experience in the following areas is beneficial but not required:

• Remote-sensing systems: optical, infrared, spectral, RF, acoustic, vibration, and other sensing modalities
• Machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, statistical modeling, anomaly detection, and physics-informed AI
• Large data sets, data management, data pipelines, high-performance computing, GPU-based computing
• Scientific computing and ML software ecosystems: NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, OpenCV, or similar
• Experimental design, laboratory measurements, field data collection, instrument characterization
• Reusable scientific software development, collaborative software environments, version control

Essential Job Functions

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments

Work Location

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

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)

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship. 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.

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 ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.