Plasma Physics Senior Scientist; Scientist

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 3 or Scientist 4 level, depending on the skills and achievements of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Salary: $125,200 – $211,300

The Plasma Theory and Applications Group (XCP‑6) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for an experienced Scientist in High Energy Density Physics. You will be expected to contribute to teams that apply and develop theoretical and computational physics tools (including those that are AI/ML‑based) to model plasmas. Areas of particular interest include high energy density physics; turbulence and/or perturbed plasma flows;

and algorithm and model development for plasmas and high energy density science. You will also be expected to mentor and guide the work of early‑career scientists and postdoctoral fellows. This research may lead to the design, fielding, and analysis of ICF/HED experiments on the Omega lasers at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), the National Ignition Facility (NIF), or on the Z pulsed‑power facility.

Your work would be expected to lead to peer‑reviewed publications, as well as to support the national‑security programs and mission of the Laboratory.

Salary: $150,300 – $260,800

In addition to what was outlined at the Scientist 3 level, Scientist 4 candidates are expected to develop and execute on a scientific vision by leading teams related to the areas listed above. It is also expected that scientists at this level will play an important role in recruiting and present the research of the team to diverse audiences.

• Technical Background A strong background in theoretical and/or computational plasma physics with demonstrated ability to apply advanced physics principles, mathematical methods, and computational tools to complex plasma science problems.
• Simulations/Experiments Thorough experience in target design and demonstrated ability to collaborate within teams performing experiments. Experience in analysis of experimental data and interpretation of experiments. Alternately experience in plasma physics related model development for improving experimental design.
• Journals/Conferences A record of published research in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings. Demonstrated ability to communicate research to an interdisciplinary audience orally and in writing.
• Achievement A record of achievement in any of the following: thermonuclear burn physics, MHD, plasma physics (theory, simulation, code development), plasma transport and turbulence, or kinetic plasma effects.
• Mentoring Proven ability to mentor and guide early‑career scientists, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, including providing regular feedback, supporting professional development, and fostering a collaborative research environment. Demonstrated track record of successfully developing others' scientific skills, independence, and career progression.

• Advanced experience in target design and demonstrated ability to lead and guide cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Advanced experience in analysis of experimental data and interpretation of experiments, across a diverse set of experiments.

• Scientist 3: Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. PhD in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
• Scientist 4: Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 12 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• PhD in physics, engineering, mathematics, or a related field
• Practical experience in the usage of AI/ML tools for experimental design and analysis.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment…