Physics Flash June 2014

Abstract

Considered the lifeblood of Physics Division, postdoctoral researchers are a vital, energizing source of potential technical staff. “Our postdocs are the future of the Division,” said its leader Doug Fulton. Indeed, the majority of scientists recently hired by Physics Division were originally postdocs within the organization. Here, six former postdocs, now Physics Division staff scientists, reveal why they chose the Laboratory over other enticing employment offers, and describe their postdoc days being mentored by preeminent scientists, performing challenging experiments at distinctive facilities, and earning excellent pay. Among the Laboratory’s technical organizations, Physics Division has the fourth highest postdoc concentration, comprising nearly 11 percent of Los Alamos’s 393 postdocs. Over the course of up to three years, managers and postdocs get to size up each other. After completing their first year, postdocs are eligible to apply for staff positions in any Lab organization, and must demonstrate exceptional scientific abilities based on work performed, research published and presented, and interactions with colleagues. Becoming a Physics staff member is not guaranteed and competition is stiff, with division management selecting the most promising candidates, while considering diversity and the programmatic and strategic needs of its groups, the division, and the Laboratory.