Entry Level Space Plasma Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
Successful candidates will engage in a combination of instrumentation development and original scientific research, tailored to their background and interests. Specific activities may include:

• Supporting the development, calibration, testing, and operation of space plasma instrumentation, including instruments for NASA's IMAP mission and current national security-related space systems
• Contributing to the design and development of instrumentation for future space missions
• Performing original research in one or more of the following areas:

• Heliospheric physics
• Magnetospheric or ionospheric physics
• Solar wind-plasma interactions
• Energetic neutral atom (ENA) measurements

• Analyzing and interpreting space-based data, and disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to develop an independent scientific identity while collaborating closely with senior scientists, engineers, and other postdocs across observational, computational, and theoretical efforts.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. completed within the past five years (or soon to be completed) in Space Physics, Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated research experience relevant to space plasma physics or space instrumentation
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship

Education/Experience
By the start of the position the applicant must have completed a Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field.
Desired Qualifications:

• Laboratory experience relevant to space plasma or ENA instrumentation (e.g., detectors, electronics, calibration facilities, vacuum systems)
• Familiarity with, or strong interest in learning about, heliophysics and space plasma environments (e.g., magnetospheres, solar wind, heliosphere)
• Experience with data analysis, modeling, or simulation related to space-based measurements
• Strong communication skills and interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research

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.
Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .
Note to Applicants:

• For full consideration, please submit (A) a cover letter describing background and relevant experience, (B) a full CV/resume, and (C) contact information for three professional references.
• This appointment is valid for two years with a possible third year extension.
• Minimum starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.
• US citizenship is not a requirement
• Review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received and until the position is filled
• Strong candidates may be eligible for a Laboratory fellowship. See https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-appointment-types.php
  for details.
• For additional information, please contact Carlos Maldonado (cmaldonado@lanl.gov ) or Ruth Skoug (rskoug@lanl.gov).

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)
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.