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Heliospheric Physics Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 4/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/4/2026
What You Will Do

The Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is looking for postdoctoral researchers in heliospheric physics. The successful candidates are expected to carry out original research related to understanding particle energization and acceleration mechanisms in the solar wind and/or the structure and evolution of the outer heliosphere through analysis of data from the recently launched IMAP mission. ISR-1 is the lead institution for two IMAP instruments, the Solar Wind Electron (SWE) investigation, and the IMAP-Hi energetic neutral atom (ENA) imager. 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:

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • A Ph.D. in space physics completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed. Outstanding candidates with experience in other relevant fields (e.g., astrophysics, plasma physics, ...) will also be considered.
  • 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

By the start of the position the applicant must have completed a Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field.

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.

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 $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicants:

  • 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 $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
  • US citizenship is not a requirement
  • 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.
  • For additional information, please contact Dan Reisenfeld (dreisenfeld@lanl.gov ) or Ruth Skoug (rskoug@lanl.gov).

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.

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.

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.

Salary : $97,000

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