What You Will Do

The Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (CTA) is seeking candidates for multiple postdoctoral positions in theoretical and computational astrophysics.  The CTA consists of a diverse group of professionals from across LANL organizations with an interest in conducting and promoting cross-cutting astrophysics research at LANL.  The CTA also connects methods and algorithms from astrophysics to applications in a variety of laboratory missions.  With over 50 staff, students, and postdocs, the CTA encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration across a wide variety of astrophysical topics and provides a broad expertise and a strongly supportive community.  The CTA is committed to creating and maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment. More detailed information can be found in https://cta.lanl.gov/.

Postdocs in the CTA apply semi-analytical models, high performance multi-physics simulations, data analysis, and machine learning to solve critical problems across a wide variety of astrophysical topics.  These include supernovae and kilonovae explosion mechanisms and transients, stellar evolution, gamma-ray bursts, compact objects dynamics, accretion, nuclear equations of state, stellar evolution, planetary physics, and cosmology.  CTA works with LANL and external collaborators to tie these simulations with ground and satellite-based missions including HAWC, NuSTAR, LIGO, LISA, JWST, EHT, and ZTF.  Together the CTA strives to apply the computational innovations from astrophysics to other laboratory programs including The Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, Office of Experimental Sciences, and Global Security. 

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

 Education/Experience: Completion of a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year. 

Desired Qualifications:

Technical Knowledge:

• Knowledge and experience in developing, applying, or analyzing numerical simulations to advance the understanding of astrophysics.  

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: hydrodynamics, radiation transport, reaction networks, numerical relativity, atomic/molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, data analysis, or machine learning. 

• Experience with scientific high-performance computing languages, such as C, C++, Fortran, Julia, and Python.

 Technical Communication:

Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences. 

 High-Performance Computing:

Experience with high-performance computing environments: supercomputing clusters or GPU machines.  This includes familiarity with running, developing, or post-processing simulations and data on supercomputers or experience in programming for GPU’s and multi-core systems with MPI, CUDA, Kokkos, OpenMP, etc 

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 Environment:

Note to Applicants:

Inquiries should be sent to CTA_recruitment@lanl.gov. When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year of PhD); three letters of reference (may be submitted online by applicant or emailed by letter writer to CTA_apply@lanl.gov); and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate’s interest in working with the CTA, mentor(s) the candidate is interested in collaborating with, and how they satisfy the requirements for the position.

Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director’s Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Chick Keller Fellowship, or Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship. 

Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third year.  

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 $94,500.  For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $94,500 and will increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.

For full consideration for the Metropolis Fellowship please apply by December 1st, 2024.  For all other positions apply by January 15th, 2025 for full consideration.

For general information go to the websites for the Postdoc Program (https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php ) or the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics (https://cta.lanl.gov)

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. 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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.