High Energy Nuclear Physics Postdoc

What You Will Do
The Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites outstanding applicants for a postdoctoral position in the experimental QCD program of the High Energy Nuclear Physics (HENP) team, part of the Nuclear and Particle Physics and Applications Group (P-3). The program studies the internal structure of light mesons through the AMBER experiment at CERN, spin physics at RHIC through the sPHENIX experiment, and fixed target experiments at Fermilab (E906/SeaQuest and E1039/SpinQuest). The group's broader research also includes heavy ion physics at sPHENIX and LHCb, and detector R&D for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).
The primary focus of this position is the Drell-Yan program of the AMBER experiment, with data taking expected to begin in 2029. The team is developing a silicon strip vertex detector, based on the PHENIX FVTX, for the AMBER target region to provide dimuon vertex reconstruction for the Drell-Yan measurements. The postdoc is expected to play a central role in this effort, including beam test data analysis, detector simulation and layout optimization, development and validation of a new FPGA based readout system, integration with the AMBER data acquisition system, and installation and commissioning of the detector. The postdoc will also contribute to simulation and analysis preparation for the Drell-Yan physics program, and to the development of a new hybrid beam tracking detector for kaon identification in the AMBER beam.
The postdoc will also take on physics analysis in the sPHENIX cold QCD program, where the team is pursuing transverse single spin asymmetries in D0 meson and other heavy flavor production. In addition, the postdoc may also contribute to ongoing SpinQuest analyses of the polarized target commissioning data.
The successful candidate can also work on other efforts in the group, such as heavy ion physics at sPHENIX and LHCb or detector and streaming readout R&D for the EIC, depending on interests and availability of funds. The position will be based at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with extended stays at CERN and travel to other facilities as required. The postdoctoral term is for 2 years. Extension of the appointment to a 3rd year can be considered, contingent on performance and availability of funding. Exceptional candidates may be considered for nomination for a LANL Director's or Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
good oral and written communication
experience with data analysis tools typically used for nuclear and particle physics
experience with detector operation and R&D
demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team player.
paper publication record in high energy nuclear physics or particle physics
Desired Qualifications:
experience with the FPGA design and/or silicon detectors
experience with Drell-Yan, spin asymmetry, or heavy flavor physics analyses.
experience applying AI and machine learning methods to physics analysis, event reconstruction, or real time data processing.
Education:
The applicant is required to have a Ph.D. in high-energy particle or nuclear physics within the past five years, or soon to be completed
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.
Note to Applicants:
In addition to applying online, applicants should submit a brief description of research interest to
Kun Liu (liuk@lanl.gov)
. Any questions can be addressed to same. Reference letters will be asked at a later stage of the selection process.
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
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.
Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.