Postdoc in Computational Materials Science Research

What You Will Do

MST-8 is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral appointment in computational materials science research. The position is in support of efforts to develop workflows to discover new and optimal materials using atomistic methods and machine learning. These workflows will be applied to a range of materials including scintillators, high entropy alloys, MAX phases and other functional materials.

Areas of particular interest are:

• Computational determination of optoelectronic defect properties

• Computational methods for defect thermodynamics and kinetics

• Optimal materials discovery using machine learning via active learning

In addition, depending on the candidate's expertise, the candidate may contribute to a broad range of research projects including development of machine learning and uncertainty quantification strategies tailored to specific materials science problems. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible third year extension depending on performance and funding availability.

Candidates may also be nominated for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Christian Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. Applicants will also be considered for the Metropolis Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Physics. For these fellowships, the research scope can be broadened to include any topic of mutual interest.

For general information to the Postdoc Program go to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Established track record in the application of machine learning techniques for materials discovery.

• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in computational materials science at the atomistic scale.

• Solid understanding of fundamental materials science, and specifically defects in materials

• Demonstrated ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing.

• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and record of presenting at nationally recognized conferences.

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline, earned within the last five years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with multiple scales of simulating materials (e.g. density functional theory based first-principles methods, cluster dynamics methods).

• Familiarity with optical materials and transport in complex alloys.

• Experience with writing codes and implementing algorithms.

Work Environment:

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.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

• The cover letter should address the minimum job requirements and desired skills of this position, with specific examples from academic and research experience.

• To receive full consideration, please ensure that the application package provides all of the information requested above.

• Evaluation of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Ideally the applicant can start as soon as possible.

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 (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.

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.

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 .

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.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.