Summary
Postdoctoral positions are available in the Space Science and Applications group (ISR-1). This is a two-year position with the possibility of an extension to a third year. The Space Science and Applications group builds and operates instruments that fly on DOE-supported treaty-verification and nonproliferation satellites as well as NASA-sponsored space science research spacecraft. The group seeks a highly motivated, qualified individual who wants a challenging and rewarding position to design, develop, build, and fly instruments to measure charged particles in the near-Earth space environment. The selected candidate will be part of a dynamic team with an extensive history in understanding the space environment, in modeling its physics and dynamics, and in understanding and mitigating its effects on spacecraft and space-based instruments. The successful candidate will be expected to be a member of instrument development teams for the DOE Space and Atmospheric Burst Reporting System project and/or the NASA Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue his or her own scientific research in space physics. US citizenship or a green card are required due to U.S. space export control restrictions.
Required Skills
Demonstrated experience in the design, fabrication, test, and use of innovative instrumentation for measuring charged particles in space or similarly complex instrumentation developed, for example, for experimental physics or analytical laboratories. Demonstrated experience in scientific research, including conducting original research, and publication of scientific results in the refereed literature. Effective inter-personal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Desired Skills
Experience in the use of electrostatic analyzers, solid state charged particle detectors, or related technologies. Experience with spacecraft instrumentation. Experience in modeling of detector responses to primary particle signals and to background signals produced by secondary particles, bremmstrahlung radiation, penetrating particle radiation, etc. Experience in the analysis of data from spacecraft instruments. Ability to develop innovative spacecraft instruments and new measurement techniques. Experience with project leadership, including a demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Ability to lead a research team and to accomplish team objectives. Demonstrated experience obtaining funding through peer-reviewed proposals. An ability to obtain a DOE "Q" clearance, which normally requires US citizenship, is not required but would be preferred.
Education
Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Space Physics, Applied Physics, or appropriate similar field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.
Notes To Applicants
Please direct any questions to Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, macdonald@lanl.gov or (505)606-0257.
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)665-6406
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates
may be considered for the prestigious J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard P. Feynman
or Frederick Reines Fellowships.
For general information refer to the
Postdoctoral Program page.
To apply, use the "Apply" button and submit a resume, publications list and a cover
letter outlining current research interests.
