Job Description
Description Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate - Center for National Security and International Studies
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name Center for National Security and International Studies/CNSIS
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Center for National Security and International Studies (CNSIS) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct independent and collaborative research on the intersection of science, technology, and national security policy. This two-year position offers early-career scholars a unique opportunity to contribute to the Laboratory's national security mission while developing and pursuing their own research agendas.
Working closely with CNSIS staff and researchers across LANL, the postdoctoral scholar will explore topics related to deterrence, arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, emerging technologies, strategic stability, and international security policy.
The successful candidate will:
- Conduct original, policy-relevant research aligned with the Laboratory's national security mission.
- Collaborate with Laboratory scientists and analysts across technical and policy domains.
- Produce publications and deliver briefings tailored to academic, policy, and operational audiences.
- Participate in CNSIS programming, including seminars, roundtables, and briefings with government partners.
- Contribute to the development of internal policy-relevant research and strategic assessments.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
- Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in national and international security policy.
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to translate complex technical topics for a policy audience.
- Proven ability to conduct independent research and producing high-quality written products.
- Excellent verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to engage with interdisciplinary teams.
- Interest in working in a mission-oriented national laboratory environment.
Education/Experience
- Ph.D. awarded within the last five years or soon to be completed in political science, international relations, public policy, security studies, economics or related field in a relevant technical discipline such as nuclear engineering, physics, or computer science.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with topics such as deterrence theory, nuclear weapons policy, nonproliferation regimes, arms control verification, strategic competition, or emerging technologies (e.g., AI, cyber, space, missile defense or energy).
- Experience working with or in U.S. government agencies, international organizations, national laboratories, or policy research institutions.
- A record of publications or presentations demonstrating an ability to communicate policy-relevant analysis.
- Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research teams and develop collaborations across organizational boundaries.
- Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis and modeling
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:
Please submit a CV, cover letter outlining qualifications and research interests, and a writing sample. The position is expected to begin in the spring of 2026 and is a two-year appointment.
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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3
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Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
Contact Details Contact Name
Email
Work Telephone
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, For contractors, Relocation, Flexible hours,