What You Will Do
We are looking for candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division provides a unique and engaging environment that fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations to support the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts diverse research across a variety of topics including fusion science, space plasma science, astrophysics, numerical analysis, machine learning, computational imaging, optimization, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure (gas pipelines and electrical grids). These application areas are tied together by research in novel algorithms and numerical methods.
The focus of the project is to develop quantum computing algorithms for quantum scattering in atomic and molecular systems that are expected in a fusion energy system, and demonstrate the schemes in current quantum computers. Candidates with background in (1) quantum scattering theory and computation, particularly in atomic and molecular physics, and quantum chemistry; and/or (2) quantum computing, are preferred. Fusion energy science background is desirable but not required. The selected candidates are expected to work with a team of fusion energy scientists, atomic physicists, and quantum computing scientists. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible third year extension depending on performance and funding availability.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of quantum computing, atomic/molecular physics, quantum chemistry, and quantum scattering broadly defined.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary scientific environment.
- A record of publications and presentations in one or more of the following areas: applied mathematics, computational physics, plasma physics, or fusion science.
Education/Experience: Completion of a Ph.D. in STEM field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year.
Desired Qualifications:
Technical Knowledge:
- Quantum scattering theory and computation, particularly in atomic and molecular physics, and quantum chemistry
- Quantum computing
Technical Communication:
Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences.
Collaboration:
Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers
Work Location: The work location for this position is located in Los Alamos, NM.
Note to Applicants:
In addition to applying online, please send a cover letter and CV (including the contact information of three references) to Xianzhu Tang at
[email protected]. When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year of PhD) and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest and qualifications in this research area.
Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship, Richard Feynman, Robert Oppenheimer Fellowsip, or Darleane Christian Hoffman Fellowship. For the named fellowship, the research scope can be broadened to include any topic of mutual interest, for example, in inertial confinement fusion, laser-plasma interaction, space and astrophysical plasmas, and computational methods.
Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third year.
Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
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 maternity 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.
- 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.
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.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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
[email protected] or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
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: 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
[email protected] for assistance.
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