Geophysics Postdoctoral Research Associate
Los Alamos National Laboratory
United States
USD 97k-97k / year
Posted on Sep 6, 2025
What You Will Do
The Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate in geophysics. We seek a creative and resourceful candidate with strong background and interest in seafloor seismic signals and hydroacoustic propagation and detection. The successful candidate will utilize and innovate techniques to analyze changing thermohaline effects on marine sound propagation, effects of seabed bathymetry on scattering and T phase conversion, and absorption and scattering effects of sea ice on hydroacoustic propagation. The term of the appointment is two years, with the option to extend to a third year depending on performance and funding availability.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Desired Qualifications:
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:
To apply, please submit an online application including your CV and a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include a short biography (2-3 lines), research interests, and future career goals. You should also explicitly address how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired skills, if applicable. In addition to applying online, applicants please also email their CV and cover letter to Charlotte Rowe (char@lanl.gov). No applicant is expected to have all the desired skills. Anyone who meets the minimum requirements is encouraged to apply.
Outstanding candidates may be considered for prestigious fellowships.
For general information about being a LANL postdoc, visit the Postdoc Program website.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos. 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.
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:
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.
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 opt. 3.
The Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate in geophysics. We seek a creative and resourceful candidate with strong background and interest in seafloor seismic signals and hydroacoustic propagation and detection. The successful candidate will utilize and innovate techniques to analyze changing thermohaline effects on marine sound propagation, effects of seabed bathymetry on scattering and T phase conversion, and absorption and scattering effects of sea ice on hydroacoustic propagation. The term of the appointment is two years, with the option to extend to a third year depending on performance and funding availability.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Strong background in geophysics with research experience in seismic and hydroacoustic data analysis
- Proficiency in one or more programing languages (preferably Python)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Good communication skills as evidenced by publications and presentations
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with hydroacoustic propagation codes
- Experience with signal processing and seismic event location
- Experience interfacing physical observations with global Earth system model predictions
- Experience with development or support of research projects and proposals
- Proficiency in Python and packages related to seismoacoustic and hydroacoustic analysis
- Ability to plan and organize assignments to meet project deliverable
- Interest in cross-applications of hydroacoustic and infrasound analysis and modeling
- Ability to obtain a Q Clearance, which usually requires US citizenship. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
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:
To apply, please submit an online application including your CV and a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include a short biography (2-3 lines), research interests, and future career goals. You should also explicitly address how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired skills, if applicable. In addition to applying online, applicants please also email their CV and cover letter to Charlotte Rowe (char@lanl.gov). No applicant is expected to have all the desired skills. Anyone who meets the minimum requirements is encouraged to apply.
Outstanding candidates may be considered for prestigious fellowships.
For general information about being a LANL postdoc, visit the Postdoc Program website.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos. 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.
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)
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.
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 opt. 3.