Laser Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
Join Los Alamos National Laboratory's elite Shock and Detonation Physics Team (M-9) and conduct groundbreaking research using some of the world's most powerful experimental platforms. We are seeking outstanding candidates for an R&D Scientist 2 position with a Summer 2026 start date. The R&D Scientist 2 will perform independent research in the broad field of experimental shock physics. Experience in equations-of-state, phase transformations, time-resolved diagnostics, dynamic compaction, high-rate mechanics, strength, spall, or damage is relevant to this position. Applicants are expected to contribute to independent research and publish experimental results in reports and peer-reviewed publications. The individual will have opportunities to perform research using a diverse set of platforms including those at LANL's Dynamic Equation of State facility with several gas and powder guns, at X-ray user facilities such as the Dynamic Compression Sector at Argonne National Laboratory, and at Sandia's Z-machine. Advancing diagnostic capabilities is also part of this job, and there are opportunities to collaborate across the laboratory and more broadly in the shock physics community on optical velocimetry and spectroscopies, temperature diagnostics, X-ray techniques and proton radiography. Research focuses on elucidating intrinsic mechanisms connecting material properties with dynamic performance. This position requires a candidate who can advance fundamental science while also providing data relevant to Weapons programs.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience with experimental shock physics, high-rate material behavior, or time-resolved diagnostics.
• Experience with at least one dynamic material testing platform (gas guns, high explosives, pulsed power, laser drives, Kolsky bar, etc)
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research documented through published results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Effective written and communication skills with diverse collaborators and audiences.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and analyze independent experimental research.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment on multidisciplinary research projects.

Education/Experience: The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience.
Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in physics, mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science or related science or engineering degree plus postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Research experience in shock physics, high pressure science, condensed matter physics, materials science, high-rate mechanics, and/or time-resolved measurements of materials properties
• Experience with laser-based or x-ray diagnostics
• Prior post-doctoral or job experience in the topics described

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.

• Regular travel to scientific conferences, beamline experiments, and programmatic scientific exchanges is expected
• A Q-clearance will be required
• Please include CV and separate cover letter describing your experiences relevant to the position

Work Schedule: All standard LANL work schedules are available, with 9/80 (every other Friday off) being the most common.
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.