Los Alamos National Laboratory

Observational Heliophysics Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory$99K — $119K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in relevant STEM field (space physics, astrophysics, plasma physics) completed within last 5 years or nearing completion.
  • Experience in observational data analysis in space and heliospheric physics.
  • Proficiency in programming languages including Python, IDL, or C++.
  • Proven track record of publishing in scientific journals and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct original research analyzing data from ENA instruments on IMAP and IBEX missions.
  • Explore data from ISOIS instruments on Parker Solar Probe (PSP).
  • Engage in heliophysics studies, including magnetospheric science.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
  • Present research findings in meetings and publications.

Benefits

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with nationwide network.
  • Dental and vision insurance included.
  • Free basic life and disability insurance.
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave.
  • Award-winning 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
  • Learning opportunities with tuition assistance.
  • Flexible schedules with paid time off and holidays.
  • Access to onsite gyms and wellness programs.
  • Extensive relocation packages for those moving from outside a 50-mile radius.
Full Job Description
Description

Job Title Observational Heliophysics Postdoctoral Researcher

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name ISR-1/Space Science & Applications

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

What You Will Do

The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for postdoctoral researchers in observational heliospheric physics. The successful candidates are expected to carry out original research related to the analysis of data from energetic neutral atom (ENA) instruments on the recently launched Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration (IMAP) mission and the ongoing Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, and/or the analysis of energetic particle data from the ISOIS instrument on Parker Solar Probe (PSP). Additional opportunities in the study of heliophysics, including magnetospheric science, are potentially 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.
  • Experience in observational data analysis of space and heliospheric physics.
  • Programming/coding experience (e.g., Python, IDL, C++)
  • Demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals, and to communicate effectively, both written and orally.

Education/Experience
  • A Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field (such as space physics, astrophysics, or plasma physics) completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:
  • 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.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.

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 $99,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

  • For full consideration, please submit (A) a cover letter describing background and relevant experience, (B) a full CV/resume, and (C) contact information for three professional references.
  • This appointment is valid for two years with a possible third year extension.
  • Minimum starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $99,500 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
  • Review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received and until the position is filled
  • Strong candidates may be eligible for a Laboratory fellowship. See https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-appointment-types.php for details.


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.

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 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.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Postdoc

Postdoc

About Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory initially organized during World War II for the design of nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project. It is located a short distance northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the southwestern United States. LANL conducts research in fields such as national security, space exploration, renewable energy, medicine, nanotechnology, and supercomputing. It is the largest institution of its kind in the world. LANL is managed and operated by Triad National Security, LLC, which is composed of Battelle Memorial Institute, the University of California, and the Texas A&M University System.
Learn more about Los Alamos National Laboratory
Size
12,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1943

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