What You Will Do

As a postdoctoral research assistant, you will be an integral member of a team tackling a variety of electrochemistry challenges supporting national security including electroplating, corrosion science, and surface characterization (including atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation). In addition, this position could involve research in aspects of additive manufacturing. Specific project goals will stem from the candidate's interest, the mission needs within the team and group, and the availability of funding. A postdoctoral researcher is expected to help guide the overall technical direction of their project(s) with their mentor. Candidates should be capable of conducting independent research in small teams and be able to communicate their findings in such a way that enables future application. This position may require travel to other sites within the NNSA/DOE Complex. The position will also require working with potentially toxic and radioactive materials. You will work with a mentor, but will be assigned portions of projects over which you will have responsibility.

What You Need

The successful applicant should have an excellent track record of publications and experience presenting at conferences, and must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field within the past five years. The candidate must also possess the ability to obtain a Q-clearance, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Completion of all requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field within the last five years from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2
• Hands on physical research experience, especially in the areas of electrochemistry, corrosion science, and surface characterization techniques as mentioned above
• Ability to work successfully in a complex regulatory environment and complex experimental facility
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) as demonstrated by experience presenting research results at technical conferences and authoring peer-reviewed journal articles
• Experience in experimental design, execution, and analysis
• Demonstrated experience working in a team environment
• Completed coursework or research experience in one of the disciplines outlined above
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance which normally requires U.S. Citizenship

Education: Doctoral Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related field.

Desired Qualifications:

• Self-motivated and independent researcher who has demonstrated experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team
• In addition to the areas listed under the Minimum Job Requirements, some experience in additive manufacturing is desirable

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

Note to Applicants:

When submitting your application electronically to this vacancy, please submit the following:

• a cover letter summarizing your skills, research areas of interest, and desire to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory
• a curriculum vitae or résumé that contains the following information: education, major, GPA, relevant work experience, relevant technical skills
• a list of professional references

Where You Will Work

Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. The Division is a service-oriented capability that supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high quality, one of a kind prototype components. The work ranges from unclassified to TS/SCI level security and covers all materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic chart.

Located in 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. 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.

Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

• 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.

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.Employment StatusFull TimeAppointment TypePostdocPostdoc

Fraud Warning:

Unfortunately, employment scams are real. Sometimes bad actors try to impersonate a hiring organization in an attempt to gain an applicant’s personal or financial information.

Please be aware that Los Alamos National Laboratory will never ask for funds for equipment or otherwise at any stage of the application or employment process. Official correspondence with the Laboratory will come from an email ending in lanl.gov.

If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.