What You Will Do

MST-8 Scattering Science Team is seeking postdoctoral candidates for a position focusing on the design and development of a portable bi-modal neutron/gamma radiography system.

The Scattering Science Team specializes in using neutron and X-ray scattering and imaging to investigate the microstructural properties of materials under a range of conditions, from ambient to extreme environments. The team operates several neutron beamlines at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and collaborates extensively with leading X-ray facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). These techniques are leveraged to study critical material properties such as residual stress, density, phase distribution, and microstructural evolution, enabling new insights into materials relevant to national security and energy applications.

This Postdoc will work closely with staff scientists on the Scattering Science Team to design and develop a portable bi-modal neutron/gamma radiography system. This system will utilize cutting-edge Timepix sensors processing photon event data from advanced structured organic glass scintillators to enable high-resolution imaging for threat detection and other applications requiring precise material characterization in challenging environments. Besides utilizing smaller neutron sources at LANL and the Nevada National Security Site, development of hardware and software for this project will also occur on neutron imaging beamlines at LANSCE.

The successful candidate should have a strong publication record, an interdisciplinary research philosophy, and the ability to effectively communicate with researchers with varied backgrounds. As a postdoctoral research associate, you will be given the opportunity to publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and to present at well-known conferences. The position is for two years, with a third year possible based on performance and funding.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years

• Experience in radiation detection, imaging systems, or related technologies

• Knowledge of neutron and gamma interactions with matter

• Proficiency in programming for data analysis, preferably in Python, C++, or similar languages

• Publication record in the field of materials science, engineering or nuclear engineering

• Very good written and oral communication skills

• Strong motivation and ability to work independently

• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to work productively on multiple projects and interact effectively with a variety of research and development organizations

• Ability to work and collaborate effectively in a small team

Training/Certifications: N/A

Education/Experience : A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with neutron or gamma imaging systems

• Familiarity with Timepix sensors or other radiation detectors

• Knowledge of scintillator materials and their applications in imaging

• Experience in experimental setup and data acquisition for scattering or imaging techniques

• Familiarity with machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly for image processing

• Ability to adapt to new research requirements and learn new tools as needed

• Image processing or computational imaging applied to particle detection

Work Schedule: LANL on-site, Monday through Friday (9/80 available)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.

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.

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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.