Demo

Plasma Physics Post-Doctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 2/2/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/2/2025
What You Will Do

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to do cutting-edge plasma physics research? If the answer is "yes", we encourage you to learn more about being a postdoctoral researcher

in the Plasma Theory and Applications Group (XCP-6). You would join a team that applies and develops theoretical and computational physics tools to model plasmas.

Areas of particular interest include high energy density physics; turbulence and/or perturbed plasma flows; and algorithm and model development for plasmas and high energy density science.

This research may lead to the design, fielding, and analysis of ICF/HED experiments at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), and National Ignition Facility (NIF) lasers or on the

Z pulsed-power facility. Your work would be expected to lead to peer-reviewed publications, as well as to support the national-security programs and mission of the Laboratory.

What You Need

Required Qualifications:

Technical Background

A background in theoretical and/or computational plasma physics or closely related field

Simulations

Demonstrated experience in setup, execution and postprocessing physics codes for science or engineering applications

Journals/Conferences

A record of published research in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings. Demonstrated ability to communicate research to an interdisciplinary audience orally and in writing

Clearance

Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience

PhD in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. A candidate may be considered for a postdoctoral position within five years of

receiving their Ph.D. or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment. Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

Desired Qualifications:

Simulations

Experience with running large, parallel codes in a high-performance, Unix computing environment.

Analysis of experimental data and/or simulation results

Experience in fielding and analysis of experimental data and/or experience in modeling ICF/HED experiments.

Achievement

A record of achievement in any of the following: thermonuclear burn physics, MHD, plasma physics (theory, simulation, code development), plasma transport and turbulence, or kinetic plasma effects.

Clearance

An active Q clearance would be a plus

Work Environment:

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

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded.

Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicants:

Applicants must apply online. The application package should include a CV and a cover letter (2 pages or less) that addresses each of the required and

any of the desired job requirements. Your letter and CV should provide contact information for 3 or 4 references who are familiar with your qualifications as related to this job.

Applicants with questions may contact Radha Bahukutumbi, radha@lanl.gov. Anyone who meets the required qualifications is encouraged to apply.

This position qualifies for benefits including vacation, medical, sick time, parental leave, and retirement.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States.

Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

  • Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.



Equal Opportunity:

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

  • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
  • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
  • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

  • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
  • From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

  • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.

Salary : $94,500

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Plasma Physics Post-Doctoral Researcher?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Plasma Physics Post-Doctoral Researcher career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$71,440 - $100,629
Income Estimation: 
$98,735 - $185,128
Income Estimation: 
$302,228 - $379,575
Income Estimation: 
$115,229 - $156,440
Income Estimation: 
$80,445 - $108,756
Income Estimation: 
$68,606 - $89,684
Income Estimation: 
$88,975 - $120,741
Income Estimation: 
$68,121 - $81,836
Income Estimation: 
$71,928 - $87,026
Income Estimation: 
$125,958 - $157,570
Income Estimation: 
$82,813 - $108,410
Income Estimation: 
$120,989 - $162,093
Income Estimation: 
$74,806 - $91,633
Income Estimation: 
$71,928 - $87,026
Income Estimation: 
$145,337 - $174,569
Income Estimation: 
$102,775 - $137,396
Income Estimation: 
$153,127 - $203,425
Income Estimation: 
$139,626 - $193,276
Income Estimation: 
$164,650 - $211,440
Income Estimation: 
$130,030 - $173,363
Income Estimation: 
$155,477 - $213,492
Income Estimation: 
$161,172 - $205,272
Income Estimation: 
$120,254 - $158,147
Income Estimation: 
$225,010 - $318,974
Income Estimation: 
$208,337 - $274,406
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Hired Organization Address Los Alamos, NM Full Time
What You Will Do The RadGeochemistry team at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for Post Masters Studen...
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Hired Organization Address Los Alamos, NM Full Time
What You Will Do Are you ready to begin a career in the intelligence/counterintelligence community? If so, we encourage ...
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Hired Organization Address Los Alamos, NM Full Time
What You Will Do Exciting opportunity for an experienced Manager Construction to join our team within the Manager Constr...
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Hired Organization Address Los Alamos, NM Full Time
What You Will Do Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidis...

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Plasma Physics Post-Doctoral Researcher jobs in the Los Alamos, NM area that may be a better fit.

Postdoctoral Researcher in High Energy Density Physics

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!