Actinide Chemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of U.S national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.

Postdoctoral Position in Actinide Chemistry: The Actinide Chemistry Team in the Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates to apply to join a multi-disciplinary team with on-going research in fundamental and applied actinide chemistry and materials science. Research opportunities include developing and implementing analytical techniques for characterizing actinide solution species and solid-state compounds, developing novel lanthanide and actinide separations chemistry, and applications of ionic liquids and molten salts to actinide science and separations. Candidates are expected to publish the results of their research in the open literature and present their work at relevant conferences.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance*
  • Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
  • Experience with the synthesis and characterization of solid-state actinide compounds or other radioisotopes
  • Demonstrated record of working safely in chemical laboratories
  • Expert command of spoken and written English
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment
  • Strong motivation and ability to work independently
  • Ability to plan and organize assignments and meet project deadlines


* Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. 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.

Education: A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed is required.




Desired Qualifications:

Candidates possessing a demonstrated strong background in the following areas are invited to apply:

  • Experience with the handling, synthesis and characterization of compounds containing actinides and/or transuranic elements, radioisotopes, or other hazardous materials
  • Familiarity with characterization of solid-state compounds or solutions using techniques such as FT-IR, Raman, UV-vis-NIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and/or electrochemical techniques.
  • Experience with radioanalytical techniques such as alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting
  • Familiarity with conventional separations techniques such as solvent extraction and/or ion exchange
  • Proficiency with working in positive- and/or negative-pressure gloveboxes

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.

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:

  • For additional technical information please contact George Goff at georgeg@lanl.gov.
  • Exceptional candidates may be considered for named postdoctoral fellowship appointments such as the Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship, G.T. Seaborg Institute for Transactinium Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, J. Robert Oppenheimer Postdoctoral Fellowship, or the Frederick Reines Postdoctoral Fellowship in Experimental Sciences.
  • For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program page.


To apply, use the "Apply" button and submit a resume, publications list and a cover letter discussing how you meet the job requirements. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.

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)
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: 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.




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.