Position Overview
Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks to hire a senior plasma physicist/computational physicist to take a critical technical role in the TBI Program, evaluating physical mechanisms important to thermonuclear burn process and guiding the development of improvements in the plasma physics models that are critical to modeling thermonuclear fusion at high density. The senior plasma physicist/computational physicist will reside in the Computational Analysis and Simulation (X-3) within the Applied Physics (X) Division. X-3 is responsible for developing and maintaining the weapons performance codes and ICF codes for X Division and the DSW Program. A major priority for X Division and for LANL is to improve the thermonuclear fusion modeling capability of these codes. X-3 also has the responsibility for LANL activities in the Thermonuclear Burn Initiative (TBI), a national program applying the largest supercomputers in the NNSA Weapon's Laboratories to facilitate discovery and identification of the physical mechanisms most important to the boost process in nuclear weapons and the burn process in ICF capsules.
The candidate must have a fundamental knowledge of plasma kinetic theory relevant to dense thermonuclear fusion, of plasma physics in the thermonuclear regime including the interaction of super-thermal charged particles with background plasmas, the nuclear physics of fusion and fission, radiation transport, hydrodynamics and turbulence, as well as the numerical methods and software implementation of such methods.
Because the TBI program impacts future weapons design and experimental activities throughout X-Division, T-Division, DE-Division, HX-Division, and P-Division, it is expected that the successful applicant will maintain collaborations with groups and individuals in these various divisions that are engaged in boost and ICF research and applications.
Key Position Requirements
Familiarity with the physics and physical models currently incorporated in the ICF and weapons physics codes, and an understanding of the computer resource requirements associated with incorporating higher fidelity models and algorithms in these codes. Demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence with a record of research in plasma physics and plasma kinetic theory relevant to thermonuclear fusion as evidenced by publications, conference proceedings, invited talks, and awards. Demonstrated effectiveness in technical leadership, including strategic thinking, creativity and innovation. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present technical results from the TBI project. Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.
Desired Skills:
Knowledge of X-Division groups and programs. Knowledge of the Laboratory's defense and basic research activities. Experience in interacting effectively with DOE and other federal program managers. Senior level experience at an academic institution, including student instruction, student supervision and research. Experience working in a classified environment; applicants with an active "Q" clearance are strongly preferred.
Education: Masters Degree in physics, engineering, or applied mathematics is required. PhD greatly preferred.
Summary
Responsible for translating national needs into technological objectives for scientific research and development (R&D) which is defined as the application of scientific principles under the scientific method to address technical problems; or to develop novel techniques or principles; or to analyze data or outcomes from experiments (in the real world or in the computational domain) or from observational procedures in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models. Recognized as a technical expert in area of specialization.
Job Duties
- Safety and security are primary responsibilities for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
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Adheres to scientific policies, programs, procedures and practices.
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Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and that supports cooperation, teamwork, and resource sharing.
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Follows the generally-accepted procedure of the Scientific Method, namely: (1) observation of specific phenomena, (2) construction of an hypothesis or hypotheses to explain these phenomena, (3) testing of the hypothesis or hypotheses by experiment or other measurable, empirical techniques, and (4) dissemination of ideas, models, tests, data, and hypotheses to the peer community and beyond.
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Integrates broad scientific/technical/engineering knowledge across disciplines and/or people to develop specialized, state-of-the-art technical solutions for an extensive and diverse range of complex and/or ambiguous problems where analysis requires in-depth evaluation of intangibles.
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Contributes to large-scale technical projects to solve national/international technology grand challenges. Sets or approves technical approach for solving problems and meeting client needs. Determines and pursues courses of action necessary to obtain desired results.
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Develops innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques and approaches to address specialized problems. Influences industry standards and procedures and guides their application to projects and programs. Identifies, promotes, and develops new technical capabilities within Laboratory.
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Serves as primary author of technical products such as journal papers, reports, presentations, and concept papers intended for complex-wide/national audiences. Develops intellectual property leading to publications, copyrights, and/or patents. May contribute to technology transfer.
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Influences division, product line, and/or directorate strategies and directions. Leads technical decision-making at major project level. Makes decisions and/or recommendations that guide the successful completion of major programs.
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Develops and implements project management plans for moderate to large high-risk projects. Leads the development of scope, schedule, and budget and defines deliverables at project or program level. Manages moderate to large, complex and/or high-risk projects, involving multiple tasks, capabilities, and organizations.
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Actively participates in professional societies, complex interactions, special assignments, and/or external collaborations. Organizes internal/external working groups, meetings, and colloquia.
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Leads peer review across organizations or disciplines and participates in external peer review.
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Serves as technical resource and mentor to staff across the division. Leads mentoring and training for technical staff.
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Develops and implements plans for new and significant project development opportunities. Leads development of technical section of large, complex proposals.
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Acquires internal/external funding for self and others.
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Collaborates as expert to developments in industry and influences the development of new skills consistent with state-of-the-art. Establishes technological qualifications for field.
Job Knowledge
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Advanced knowledge and proven ability in one or more technical research and development disciplines.
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Comprehensive understanding of principles of scientific integrity.
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Advanced knowledge and proven ability in developing and implementing technical research and development projects, including the formulation and testing of hypotheses, investigation of alternative solutions, and recommendation of solutions to technical problems.
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Advanced knowledge and proven ability in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
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Advanced knowledge and proven experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.
Education
Direction
A. Supervision Received
B. Supervision Exercised
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Coordinates, monitors, and redirects the work of technical staff to achieve predetermined long-range goals. Provides technical direction to multi-disciplinary teams or multiple teams for Laboratory-wide initiatives.
C. Contacts
This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
Government Conflict of Interest
To ensure that you and LANL avoid any potential conflicts of interest, all current/former Government Officials must read and respond, if applicable, to the LANL Applicant Disclosure Form.
Contact
For specific questions about the status of this job, call (505)665-1917
