Laser Spectroscopy and Safeguards Applications Postdoctoral Appointee

What You Will Do

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) is seeking a postdoctoral candidate to work on a range of fundamental and applied research projects related to the tracking, analysis, and measurement of nuclear materials and, specifically, by the use of laser spectroscopic applications such as laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser induced fluorescence (LIF), and laser absorption spectroscopy. Research opportunities include the application of laser techniques to high level waste streams, nuclear material enrichment, and nuclear fuel cycle systems. The work will involve the adaptation of various analytical techniques to test and operational equipment, calibration and optimization of the equipment, and production of quantitative results (elemental concentrations, solution composition, isotopics, etc.).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated strong background in one of the following areas:
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Inorganic or Physical Chemistry
  • Laser Spectroscopy (LIBS/LIF/LAS)
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
  • Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
  • Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
  • Strong motivation and ability to work independently
  • Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary research environment and interact successfully with a variety of research & development, and commercial organizations.

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required. Eligibility for this fellowship includes individuals who have been granted one or more degrees from a minority serving institution and are approaching or have obtained a doctoral degree within the last 5 years in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics discipline.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in the setup, optimization, and use of Class IV laser systems (open beam);
  • Experience in analytical chemistry and quantitative analysis;
  • Experience in the collection and manipulation of spectroscopic data;
  • Scientific programming experience
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assignments so that schedules are met on time.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

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:

In addition to applying on-line, please submit a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: educational background, degree dates, GPA with scale; work experience; competitive honors; relevant extracurricular activities; peer-reviewed publications; non-peer-reviewed publications; references. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant. For additional technical inquiries, contact Nick Smith at nick.smith@lanl.gov.

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.

*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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account. Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password