Los Alamos National Laboratory

Postdoctoral Positions in Heliophysics

Los Alamos National Laboratory$99K — $99K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in plasma astrophysics or a closely related field obtained no earlier than 5 years prior to application.
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant research areas.
  • Experience in a scientific research collaboration.
  • Experience giving scientific presentations in professional environments.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research in heliophysics, specializing in areas such as particle acceleration and transport.
  • Utilize particle-in-cell or hybrid fluid-particle simulations to model astrophysical phenomena.
  • Develop Fokker-Planck diffusion models for various applications in heliophysics.
  • Investigate wave-particle interactions and wave propagation in space conditions.
  • Study solar flare dynamics and solar energetic particle physics.

Benefits

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
  • Dental and vision insurance coverage.
  • Free basic life and disability insurance.
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave.
  • Robust 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
  • Opportunities for learning and tuition assistance.
  • Flexible schedules with paid time off and holidays.
  • Onsite wellness facilities including gyms.
  • Extensive relocation packages for candidates moving more than 50 miles.
Full Job Description
Description

Job Title Postdoctoral Positions in Heliophysics

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name T-2 /Nuc & Particle Phys, Astrophys & Cosmol

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

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 two-year postdoctoral positions in heliophysics to begin in Fall 2026. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in plasma astrophysics including heliophysics, plasma physics and astrophysics or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment, obtained no earlier than 5 years before the submission date of their applications.

Candidates working in any area of heliophysics are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following expertise:

  • Acceleration and transport of energetic particles in space and astrophysical environments
  • Particle-in-cell simulations and/or hybrid fluid-particle simulations
  • Fokker-Planck diffusion models
  • Wave-particle interaction and wave propagation
  • Solar flare and solar energetic particle physics and modeling
  • Energetic particles in the inner and outer heliosphere
  • Radiation belt physics and models, and related space weather

We actively collaborate with colleagues across multiple groups and divisions at Los Alamos National Laboratory, as well as with researchers at universities and research institutions worldwide. Candidates with appropriate expertise and interest will also have opportunities to contribute to national security-related research.

LANL offers Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships (Curie, Feynman, Hoffman, Oppenheimer) and Director's funded postdoc positions through a lab-wide competitive selection process. Exceptionally well qualified candidates will be sponsored to be considered for these Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Applications for these postdoc positions should be submitted by September 15, 2026, for full consideration.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications in above or related research areas.
  • Experience in a scientific research collaboration
  • Experience giving scientific talks in professional environments.


Education/Experience: PhD in space physics, plasma physics, 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. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Salary: Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $99,500.00 and increases with years of experience post PhD.

Note to Applicants:

A complete application package will consist of a CV, research statement, a list of publications, and contact information for 3 references.

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.

For more information please contact:

Fan Guo: [email protected]

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.

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.

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

Contact Details

Contact Name

Email

Work Telephone

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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