Scientist 2

About the Role

Join Los Alamos National Laboratory's elite Shock and Detonation Physics Team (M-9) and conduct groundbreaking research using some of the world's most powerful experimental platforms. We are seeking outstanding candidates for an R&D Scientist 2 position with a Summer 2026 start date.

The R&D Scientist 2 will perform independent research in the broad field of experimental shock physics. Experience in equations-of-state, phase transformations, time-resolved diagnostics, dynamic compaction, high-rate mechanics, strength, spall, or damage is relevant to this position. Applicants are expected to contribute to independent research and publish experimental results in reports and peer-reviewed publications.

The individual will have opportunities to perform research using a diverse set of platforms including those at LANL's Dynamic Equation of State facility with several gas and powder guns, at X-ray user facilities such as the Dynamic Compression Sector at Argonne National Laboratory, and at Sandia's Z-machine. Advancing diagnostic capabilities is also part of this job, with collaboration opportunities across the laboratory and the broader shock physics community on optical velocimetry and spectroscopies, temperature diagnostics, X-ray techniques, and proton radiography.

Research focuses on elucidating intrinsic mechanisms connecting material properties with dynamic performance. This position requires a candidate who can advance fundamental science while also providing data relevant to Weapons programs.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze independent experimental research in shock physics.
• Publish experimental results in reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Advance diagnostic capabilities, including optical velocimetry, spectroscopies, temperature diagnostics, X-ray techniques, and proton radiography.
• Collaborate across the laboratory and within the shock physics community.
• Contribute to research using platforms such as gas and powder guns, X-ray user facilities, and pulsed power machines.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with experimental shock physics, high-rate material behavior, or time-resolved diagnostics.
• Experience with at least one dynamic material testing platform (gas guns, high explosives, pulsed power, laser drives, Kolsky bar, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research documented through published results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Effective written and communication skills with diverse collaborators and audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment on multidisciplinary research projects.

Qualifications

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience.

Skills

• Ph.D. in physics, mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, or related science or engineering degree plus postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred.
• Research experience in shock physics, high pressure science, condensed matter physics, materials science, high-rate mechanics, and/or time-resolved measurements of materials properties.
• Experience with laser-based or X-ray diagnostics.
• Prior post-doctoral or job experience in the described topics.

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).

Schedule

All standard LANL work schedules are available, with 9/80 (every other Friday off) being the most common.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Regular travel to scientific conferences, beamline experiments, and programmatic scientific exchanges is expected.

Note: 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 national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Security Clearance

A Q-clearance will be required for this position. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation, and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required.