Description

Job Title Radiation Transport and Detector Scientist 2/3

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name ISR-8/Space Nuclear Sensing

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional skills are required if the candidate is hired at a higher level.

The X-ray and Particle Sensing (XAPS) project, and the Space Nuclear Sensing Group (ISR-8), are seeking a scientist to plan and execute sensor simulation, constellation level simulation, and/or monitoring tasks for spaced based radiation sensors. As part of USNDS, we design space-based sensors for detecting nuclear detonations in earth's atmosphere and outer space. Our team has diverse skillsets, allowing us to participate in each step of the space hardware lifecycle. This includes design and production, as well as providing subject matter expertise to sponsors after our hardware is delivered and operational. This results in a highly collaborative team of engineers, scientists, and technicians that work together to solve unique problems at each step of the process.

The team performs outstanding research in the field of space hardware design on problems related to x-ray and particle sensing in space. As part of the team, you should be able to work effectively on both independent tasks and as part of a larger group to develop simulation models to inform sensor design and performance, as well as interpret on-orbit data from our sensors. Your work will include leading small to medium-size research activities and using state-of-the-art modeling techniques to understand detector response as well as the space environment. In this position you will help develop the next generation of space-based radiation sensors through collaboration with this team as well as external partners. You will be expected to creatively apply scientific and engineering principles to address sponsor and stakeholder needs while maintaining conduct of operations in a secure workplace.

Scientist 2 ($106,400 - $176,000):
Common tasks for this job could include:

• Support scientific or technical research and development on projects as an independent contributor under the supervision of senior scientists
• Develop radiation transport simulations for informing sensor design
• Perform data analysis of operational data to ensure health of sensors
• Develop algorithms to interpret data produced by operational sensors
• Contribute to, or lead, the development of technical outputs such as presentations and reports to be delivered to an external sponsor
• Collaborate with our engineers, scientists, and technicians to understand system design and requirements as well as provide information to support their work

This position is intended to be an entry level position for recent PhD graduates, preferably with some post-graduate experience.

Scientist 3 ($128,000 - $215,900):
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level

• Lead research projects with little to no supervision and report results to stakeholders both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Develop and/or contribute ideas for new proposals and business development opportunities. Leads development of technical section of small to medium-sized proposals. Develop new technical capabilities and create opportunities to extend R&D efforts through the expansion of existing capabilities within the Team.
• Actively participate in professional societies, National Nuclear Security Administration/Department of Energy Complex interactions, special assignments, and/or external collaborations. Participate in external working groups and/or assist in organizing meetings and colloquia.
• Substantially mentor junior staff, postdoctoral associates, or students on research or manufacturing projects.

The higher level is intended for a scientist who can develop concepts, techniques, and standards for specialized radiation sensing technologies. You should be able to contribute as a technical leader, provide mentorship to other workers, and manage projects of moderate complexity and scope. You must have a demonstrated record of technical excellence in relating processing and properties in radiation sensor research.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Expertise in at least one of the following topics:
• Radiation transport using either MCNP or GEANT4
• Simulations of systems of many detectors
• Algorithm development for interpreting data from systems of many detectors
• Demonstrated experience producing technical results from fundamental sciences or supporting operational sensors or development projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams to realize research goals with broad technical impact. Proven ability to reach milestones and produce deliverables.
• Experience working with experimental data from semiconductors or scintillator-based radiation sensors
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, especially contributing to technical reports and archival publications.
• Ability to obtain a DOE "Q" security clearance, which usually requires US citizenship

Additional requirements for Scientist 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Specialized expertise in areas of radiation sensor science which could include:
• Significant experience developing operational radiation sensors and algorithms to interpret complex signatures.
• Experience developing new methods for improving radiation simulation model fidelity and speed
• Demonstrated experience leading teams to realize research goals with broad technical impact. Proven ability to reach milestones and produce deliverables.
• Experience securing funding for yourself and technical project teams in a competitive funding environment. This can include research opportunities internal to an organization.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially contributing to technical reports and archival publications. Demonstrated ability to interact with internal and external customers and management.

Education/Experience at Scientist 2: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and 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 degree in nuclear physics, high energy physics, nuclear engineering is preferred.

Education/Experience at 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 degree in nuclear physics, high energy physics, nuclear engineering is preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands on experience contributing to space hardware projects with a deep level of understanding for the set of challenges that must be addressed
• Experience working on collaborative and long-term software development
• Experience writing C++ and Python
• Experience with both MCNP and GEANT4
• Demonstrated project experience in security or energy related research where compliance and information protection are required.
• A Ph.D. may be preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.

Notes to Applicants:
When submitting your application electronically to this vacancy, please submit at a minimum 1) a cover letter of no more than 2 pages length describing your research interests and goals and 2) a curriculum vitae that contains at the following information: education, major (if relevant), relevant work experience, and relevant technical skills.

While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.

Work Environment:

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 for this position is 1 year.

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.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular