Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Shock Physics Scientist (Scientist 2/3) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Shock and Diagnostics Team (SDT) within the Shock & Detonation Physics Group (M-9) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has an opening for a Scientist 2/3. Our work utilizes dynamic drivers (single- and two-stage gas guns, high explosives, Dynamic Compression Sector at the Advanced Photon Source, LCLS, Z-machine, laser, etc.) to study fundamental physics of relevance to the behavior of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures. Our research informs multi-scale models for equations of state used in the DOE's science-based stockpile stewardship assessment.
We seek outstanding internally motivated candidates interested in reactive and inert materials, pressure-induced phase transformations, material failure under dynamic conditions (spall and cavitation), X-ray diagnostics (X-ray diffraction and imaging), and/or temperature diagnostics (pyrometry or XAFS). Prior experience in high pressure research is desired, but less important than a solid background in experimentation, a strong intellectual curiosity, and meticulous laboratory skills. The team is willing to train driven individuals in shock physics knowledge and experimentation. Ongoing projects within our team include:
Equations of state of various high explosives
Equations of state of inert materials, including polymers, foams, and ceramics
Temperature measurements under dynamic loading, including simultaneous radiance and reflectance
X-Ray radiographic imaging of shock mitigation by traditionally synthesized and advanced manufactured foams
Proton radiographic imaging of dynamically loaded polymers and high explosives
Dynamic X-ray diffraction and scattering of polymers and high explosives to determine compression, phase change, or morphology changes during dynamic drive or detonation
Scientist 2 $101,700-$168,200
Develops creative solutions to new and difficult technical problems.
Contributes to medium-to-large scale proposals. May write small proposals for internal or external funding. May acquire funding support for self or others.
Actively participates in professional societies, institutional-level committees, special assignments and/or special interest groups.
Scientist 3 $122,300-$206,300
In addition to the Scientist 2:
Advances the state of the art in dynamic experimentation and analysis.
Acquires internal/external funding for self and optimally others through leading small to moderate proposals.
Leads in communicating results of technical R&D, including publications, presentations, reports, intellectual property, technical products.
Contributes to a lead role in mentoring, peer review, meeting organization, team scientific goals, and pursing career enhancement opportunities.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Safety Practice
Demonstrated ability to work safely and productively in a fast-paced team setting with minimal supervision.
Communication
Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, and experience interacting with personnel at all levels. Communicate effectively with customers and collaborators
Ability to explain and present technical information, both verbally and in written form, to an audience with varied technical backgrounds.
Contributes to the development of intellectual property leading to copyrights and/or patents, journal papers, technical reports, etc.
Leads specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget.
Clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Department of Energy (DOE) Q Clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:
Strong publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals
Experience leading projects and project teams
Experience acquiring funding
Education/Experience required for Scientist 2: Positions requires a Bachelor' 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. A PhD is preferred but not required.
Education/Experience required for Scientist 3: Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A PhD is preferred but not required.
Desired Qualifications:
Technical Knowledge
Experience with dynamic experiments or high-strain-rate mechanics, including experiments at synchrotron or other user facilities.
Experience with pyrometry, X-ray, or laser-based diagnostics.
Experience setting up oscilloscopes and instrumentation to acquire short duration, single occurrence events.
Experience in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, or a closely-related field.
Systems & Tools
Experience with computer programming languages for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python).
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.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment is 1 year.
Note to Applicants: Applicants should submit a CV and a detailed cover letter specifically addressing each of the required qualifications and desired skills below through the LANL HR system and email a copy to Lee Gibson, Shock and Diagnostics Team Lead (lgibson@lanl.gov). Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three confidential letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin immediately.
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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-A/@Aimages/file) 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.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.