Postdoc Position in Small Scale Mechanical Testing

What You Will Do

The Materials Science & Technology Group 8 is seeking a highly motivated post-doc's student for in situ SEM mechanical characterization to understand various material deformation behaviors. The student will have the opportunity to characterize a multitude of different materials for applications ranging from nuclear reactors to space propulsion systems. The student will develop expertise in advanced preparation and fabrication techniques, including metallographic preparation, focused-ion beam fabrication, and laser-based fabrication. The student will perform in situ SEM testing techniques, including micro-compression, micro-tension, micro-cantilever, nanoindentation, and meso-tension. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, with good communication, documentation, and organizational skills. This work will support various national efforts in material characterization and development for extreme environments.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • 2 years of experience using a Focused-Ion-Beam to prepare TEM samples and small-scale testing specimens
  • 2 years of experience using in situ SEM mechanical testing tools (e.g., Bruker, Alemnis, FemtoTools)
  • Experience in metallographic preparation of metals for EBSD and/or small-scale mechanical characterization
  • Proficiency in one of the following coding languages: Python, MATLAB

Desired Skills:
  • Experience with micro-compression, nanoindentation, micro-cantilever testing
  • Experience with using bulk mechanical test systems
  • Experience with using a FEM software (e.g., Abaqus, Ansys)
  • Strong analytical skill with Python or MATLAB

    Education:

    PhD degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last 2 years.

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.

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 .

Notes to Applicants: For technical questions related to this position contact Dr. Hi Vo (hvo@lanl.gov).

Where You Will Work

LANL maintains world-class science and engineering programs in support of national interests in energy, information, and national security. To create and foster innovations in science, technology, and engineering, the Lab employs the best and brightest people and provides the environment to deliver system solutions for our country's needs, now and in the future. Los Alamos is situated in the foothills of the beautiful Jemez Mountains in Northern New Mexico and is a 30 minute drive away from Santa Fe.
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.

Additional Details:

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. U.S. citizenship is desired. 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.
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 regards 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.

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