• Heliospheric Physics Postdoctoral Researcher

    Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, NM 87544

    Job #2704398528

  • What You Will Do

    The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to carry out original research addressing the structure and evolution of the outer heliosphere through analysis of data from the upcoming IMAP mission and the ongoing IBEX mission. The candidate is also expected to support the characterization of the laboratory and on-orbit performance of energetic neutral atom (ENA) instrumentation for the IMAP mission. Additional opportunities in the study of heliophysics are available. Required skills for the candidate include experience in the analysis of data from heliophysics missions (e.g., solar wind, outer heliosphere, magnetospheric, etc. missions).

    ISR-1 is part of the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) division at LANL. We specialize in building, operating, and analyzing data from space-based instruments for a range of national security and basic science missions and are supported by many different government agencies including the DOE, DOD, and NASA. If you are passionate about space, knowledgeable about heliophysics, and excited to work with a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and technicians then this is a great opportunity for you!

    What You Need

    Minimum Job Requirements:

    • Passion to learn and collaborate with researchers from different fields.

    • Space plasma, energetic particle, and/or ENA data analysis experience, strong documentation habits

    • Demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals, and to communicate effectively, both written and orally.

    Education/Experience

    Ph.D. in physics, space science, or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment, obtained no earlier than July 2019.

    Desired Qualifications:

    • Programming/coding (e.g., Python, IDL, C++)

    • Experience with space plasma/ENA instrumentation and calibration techniques

    • Experience with modelling of space plasma and particle detection instrumentation (e.g., SIMION, SRIM)

    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 ~~~ .

    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 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)

    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. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

    Q Clearance: 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. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

    *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.

    Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 federal 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.