Staff Scientist 2 in Nuclear Theory

About the Role

The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) invites applications for a staff scientist position in Nuclear Theory. The nuclear-theory team conducts research on a broad set of topics, including:

• Effective theories of strong and weak interactions
• Low-energy phenomenology within and beyond the Standard Model
• Neutrino physics and astrophysics
• Nuclear astrophysics
• Nuclear structure
• Heavy-ion physics and physics of the quark-gluon plasma
• Perturbative QCD
• Quantum few- and many-body systems
• Quantum computing
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence applied to these areas

Candidates in all these areas are strongly encouraged to apply. The T-2 group includes six full-time staff scientists in basic nuclear theory and has expertise in applied nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics & heliophysics, and plasma physics. Research at the intersections of these areas with nuclear theory, as well as interdisciplinary research employing new computational paradigms, is highly valued.

The Theoretical Division and LANL provide a stimulating scientific environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary science. The Division and T-2 group maintain a highly visible postdoctoral program and are actively involved in DOE Nuclear Theory topical collaborations, SciDAC, and Quantum Computing/Quantum Information projects. Theorists collaborate with experimentalists at LANL and beyond, particularly in:

• QCD and heavy-ion physics (e.g., RHIC, EIC, LHC)
• Neutrino physics (e.g., LEGEND, DUNE, neutrinoless double beta decay)
• Precision neutron physics (e.g., neutron EDM, lifetime, decay correlations)

Candidates whose research overlaps with these experimental or computational efforts are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in nuclear theory or closely related areas
• Formulate and present results to technical audiences
• Mentor junior researchers at all levels
• Contribute to basic research and mission science programs as needs and opportunities evolve
• Collaborate with experimental, observational, or computational physicists across disciplines
• Lead scientific projects in collaboration with academia, industry, or government agencies
• Engage with emerging computational paradigms (classical HPC, ML/AI, and Quantum Computing)

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated record of technical excellence and achievement in nuclear theory or a closely related area
• Significant knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences
• Demonstrated leadership skills or the ability to mentor junior researchers
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and mission science programs

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or 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.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics or related fields and 2 years of postdoctoral research experience
• Demonstrated effective networking skills across disciplines
• Experience with obtaining research funding
• Experience leading scientific projects in collaboration with academia, industry, or government agencies
• Strong communication skills
• Experience with emerging computational paradigms (classical HPC, ML/AI, and Quantum Computing)

Work Location

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 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)

Note to Applicants: Include a CV, publication list, and a concise research statement (three pages) describing past achievements and future plans. A cover letter describing how you meet the minimum requirements and desired qualifications, along with contact information for 3-4 references, is required. For full consideration, apply by September 30, 2026. Final selection is expected in spring 2027.