T-2/ Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (R&D Manager 4)

About the Role

The Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (NPAC) Group in Theoretical Division provides leadership in theoretical and applied nuclear physics, particle physics, plasma astrophysics, planetary formation, and their intersections. The group manages a budget of approximately $25M, includes ~20 staff scientists and ~15 postdoctoral fellows, and leads laboratory, national, and international efforts in NPAC science.

The group leader will develop and maintain a strong, diverse scientific effort in NPAC theory, recruit outstanding scientists, and create opportunities to support this research. The role involves managing the group, collaborating with division management, fostering scientific interactions across LANL, recruiting and mentoring talent, and advancing the careers of graduate students, postdocs, and staff. The group leader must also maintain an active research program at approximately 50% time effort.

The group is funded by DOE applied programs, Office of Science, NASA, and laboratory LDRD, with strong ties to experimental NPAC efforts in basic science (e.g., medium energy and heavy-ion research, neutrino physics, fundamental neutron physics) and applied nuclear science (e.g., fission experiments at LANSCE, NIF). The group also leads computational efforts in lattice QCD, nuclear structure, astrophysics, and quantum computing (funded by DARPA and Office of Science).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a strong, diverse scientific program in NPAC theory.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise scientific researchers at all levels.
• Manage group operations, including budget and staffing.
• Collaborate with division management and promote scientific interactions across LANL and external organizations.
• Develop new funding opportunities to support research.
• Advance the careers of graduate students, postdocs, and staff.
• Maintain an active research program (50% time effort).
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships across group, division, laboratory, and national boundaries.
• Propose, develop, and sustain research programs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in one or more NPAC research areas (theoretical or computational nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, or related fields).
• Ability to contribute technically to group projects and develop programs in associated areas.
• Effective leadership experience, preferably in a scientific or technical team, group, or project setting.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, supervising, and facilitating the work of scientific researchers at all levels.
• Strong communication skills, including engaging across disciplines, discussing program strategies with sponsors, delegating tasks, and interacting with all levels of management.

Qualifications

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Research experience in theoretical or computational NPAC fields is strongly preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience building collaborative relationships across group, division, laboratory, and national boundaries.
• Experience proposing, developing, and sustaining research programs.
• Demonstrated record of recruiting and mentoring excellent scientists.
• Active Q Clearance.

Schedule

This position may require 24/7 coverage, including shift or weekend work. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay at the discretion of their manager.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position located in Los Alamos, NM. Regular appointment employees must serve a 1-year commitment in the position before applying for other Laboratory jobs.

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 this facility.

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) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which necessitates U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. Additional access authorization may be required for classified information, though this is not typically available to dual citizens. Clearance and access are ultimately determined by the Federal Government.

The Laboratory requires a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy, including random testing. Federal law prohibits marijuana use, even if legalized by state law, and a positive test will result in termination.