Radiochemical Data Analyst (Post Doctoral Researcher)

What You Will Do

Weapons Radiochemistry was born in the Manhattan Project and remains a key diagnostic of nuclear performance today. Our team (Radiochemical Assessment) supports two major Laboratory mission areas - Stockpile Stewardship and Post-Detonation Nuclear Forensics (PDNF). We support these programs by analyzing archival and modern radiochemical measurement data and extracting yield and other diagnostic data from it. We interface closely with laboratory measurement teams and weapons physics groups. We are seeking a candidate that will support data analysis for an ongoing R&D project, as well as Stockpile Stewardship and PDNF. You will be working in a diverse team of highly motivated individuals with a broad range of expertise supporting a multidisciplinary R&D project focused on advancing technical methods for post-detonation nuclear forensics.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Background in data analysis and interpretation
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Hold or be able to obtain a Department of Energy security clearance (Q)
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills including peer reviewed publications and professional presentations
• Experience in collaborating with outside research scientists in multiple disciplines
  
  

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in a relevant field such as isotope geochemistry, nuclear engineering, chemistry, physics, computer science, and statistics completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with statistical methods and analysis, particularly Bayesian methods
• Experience with machine learning methods
• Experience with coding/analytical tools such as MatLab and Python
• Familiarity with radiochemical/radioanalytical measurement techniques, including gamma, beta, and alpha radiation spectroscopies
• Familiarity with mass spectrometric techniques (e.g. TIMS, SIMS, ICPMS)
• Ability to fund and execute independent and collaborative research programs
  
  

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:

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)
  
  

The Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group supports both operational missions and R&D efforts in bioassay, nuclear forensics, nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, treaty monitoring, and weapons programs. Basic research is conducted in areas of radiochemistry, radiometric measurements, materials characterization, mass spectrometry, nuclear chemistry and physics, spectroscopy, and actinide chemistry. Programmatic work supported by C-NR includes maintenance and stewardship of the nuclear stockpile, nuclear forensics, international safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, treaty monitoring, and bioassay monitoring. C-NR addresses immediate to long-term mission needs for sponsors, and has established capabilities and facilities for handling and characterizing radiological materials over a wide range of radioactivity levels. Current major sponsors include the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Strategic Partnerships (Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, and other federal agencies), and LANL institutional support.

Los Alamos, NM, is a safe, low-crime, family-oriented community that enjoys excellent weather, clean air and outstanding public schools. There are frequent concerts and events, as well as quick travel to many top ski resorts, scenic hiking trails, and mountain climbing. The short drive to work includes stunning views of the Valles Caldera, as well as the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Many employees also live in the nearby state capital, Santa Fe, which is known for world-class restaurants, art galleries, and opera.

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.

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 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 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.