What You Will Do

The Quantum Technologies Team in MPA-Q (https://www.lanl.gov/org/ddste/aldps/materials-physics-applications/quantum/index.php) is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers in experimental atomic and optical physics. Current research conducted by our team of four staff and seven postdocs focuses on atomtronics (https://journals.aps.org/rmp/accepted/09070Eb7Xa1E9e1870684017fc22d1ea76fa5b52b) /atom interferometry [arXiv:2201.12461 (https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.12461) , arXiv:2201.11888 (https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.11888) ] and quantum information science [arxiv:2111.14677 (https://arxiv.org/abs/2111.14677) , arXiv:2106.13705 (https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2106.13705) , arxiv:2205.12866 (https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.12866) ] with ultracold atoms. Postdocs appointed to these positions will work with our systems for manipulating ultracold Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) and individual atoms in dynamic controllable optical potentials (https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/11/4/043030) and tweezer arrays (https://doi.org/10.2172/1493463) .

Current areas of interest include creating Schrödinger cat states with an Atom SQUID, using BECs and arrays of Rydberg atoms to probe quantum materials, demonstrating control of qudits (high dimensional qubits) in strontium, waveguide atom interferometry, novel approaches to quantum sensing, and implementing new quantum metrology algorithms with ultracold atoms.

Applicants should have substantial experience with experiments either in cold atom physics or in areas that have equipped them to learn the relevant physics quickly.

The LANL Postdoctoral Program is a pipeline for hiring technical staff at the Laboratory, many of whom first joined LANL as postdocs. The Laboratory encourages its postdoc mentors to help their postdocs explore possibilities for conversion to a permanent staff position.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in experimental atomic physics or in areas requiring similar experimental and technical skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a diverse team.

Education/Experience : A Ph.D. in Physics or related field completed within last five years or soon to be completed is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of cold atom physics.

• Knowledge of quantum information science.

• Knowledge of optics and laser physics.

• An excellent track record of publications and experience presenting at conferences.

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

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 .

Note to Applicants:

Questions can be sent to Malcolm Boshier ( boshier@lanl.gov ) or Michael Martin ( mmartin@lanl.gov ). Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Christian Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

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. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

*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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) 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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.