Nuclear Astrophysics Researcher

What You Will Do

The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applications for open postdoctoral positions in nuclear astrophysics to begin as early as Fall 2024. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in nuclear physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment. Our group conducts research on a broad set of topics in theoretical nuclear physics and astrophysics with particular focus on atomic opacities, equation of state, multi-messenger signals e.g. from astrophysical transients (including kilonova), nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, fission, nuclear isomers, nucleosynthesis, and state of the art simulations. LANL scientists working in these areas include Kurtis Bartlett, Chris Fontes, Chris Fryer, Oleg Korobkin, Jonah Miller, Wendell Misch, Matthew Mumpower, Tony Shin, Karl Smith, Ingo Tews, and Ryan Wollaeger. We collaborate actively with our colleagues throughout the laboratory and have close ties with ongoing collaborations in astrophysics and experimental physics.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an early career scientist to develop an independent research program in the exciting field of nuclear astrophysics. Candidates with expertise in any of the aforementioned areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship or Distinguished (Feynman/Oppenheimer) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Exceptional candidates will be considered for early career staff.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Record of peer-reviewed publications in above or related research areas.

• Experience in a scientific research collaboration.

• The ability to work constructively as a member of a large, diverse team.

Desired Job Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Experience developing scientific or open-source software.

• Creativity and independence in proposing new ideas.

Education: PhD in theoretical nuclear, particle, astrophysics, or closely related field obtained before the start of the postdoc appointment.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Salary

Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500 and increases with years of experience post PhD. For more information on salary and benefits, please visit LANL's Postdoctoral Research page: ~~~/

Note to Applicants

For full consideration please include a resume, a research statement, and a list of publications and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation uploaded on your behalf. For further information please contact Matthew Mumpower 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 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)

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.

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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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 2 and then option 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 ~~~ for assistance.