What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory performs world-class research in high-energy-density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magnetic confinement fusion (MCF), and discovery plasma science. The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics Group is seeking exceptional candidates for several postdoctoral positions.

The P-4 Group is currently looking for talented researcher to join our magnetized plasmas team. This talented researcher would help support our modular theta-pinch experiment (MTX), which uses a field-reversed configuration to help advance magnetized target fusion and to create x-ray sources for other applications. We are also looking for another talented researcher to support our Wendelstein 7-X collaboration, where the postdoc candidate will work/travel to the US/Germany international collaboration on 3D stellarator physics on the Wendelstein 7-X experiment in Greifswald, Germany. This Postdoc would be based in Los Alamos. The focus will be on steady-state pellet fueling, studying hydrogen ice pellet ablation with the new high speed ORNL cryogenic pellet injector, recently installed on W7-X. It will become operational in the next experimental campaign. As part of the W7-X "one team", we have access to all the experimental data and can propose additional physics studies.

The P-4 Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group conducts a broad range of research, including hydrodynamics, radiation transport, opacity, radiation hydrodynamics, inertial confinement fusion, magneto-inertial fusion, and magnetized fusion energy. We perform experiments on large and small-scale experimental facilities, including the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the OMEGA laser facility at the University of Rochester, the Z pulsed power facility, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Advanced Photon Source, and other facilities around the world.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Research experience in a laboratory environment

• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in experimental physics or a very closely related discipline, as evidenced by at least one first-author paper submitted to or published in a peer-reviewed journal.

• Ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to journal presentations, technical reports, oral or poster conference presentations, public speaking, and classes taught.

Education/Experience:

A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Academic training in plasma physics, fluid mechanics, nuclear physics, or a related field.

• Familiarity with approaches and challenges of magnetized plasmas and Magnetic Confinement Fusion

• Familiarity with plasma diagnostics, such as imaging, spectroscopy, interferometry, or nuclear measurements.

• Experience performing experiments on tokamaks, stellarators, reverse-field pinches, or similar devices.

• Experience with data analysis using software tools such as IDL or MATLAB and programming with Python.

Work Environment:

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants:

Applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter describing how you meet the required as well as desired qualifications of the position. In addition to applying on-line, interested candidates should send their inquiries and resume to Sam Langendorf, ( samuel.langendorf@lanl.gov ). Contact Glen Wurden ( wurden@lanl.gov ) for more information on the Wendelstein 7-X project and contact Thomas Weber ( tweber@lanl.gov ) for more information on the MTX project. Contact Dmitry Yarotski ( dzmitry@lanl.gov ) for more general information about the group.

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.

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.

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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.