Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Inorganic Isotope Actinide Chemistry group in Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position related to molten salt electrochemistry to perform novel, cutting-edge research involving the deposition of protective coatings onto novel substrates. Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research and engaging in a broad set of activities across several scientific disciplines to address broader aspects of the laboratory's mission, including nonproliferation science. Additionally, the postdoc will be encouraged to attend seminars of interest, utilize networking opportunities within the laboratory, and foster new collaborations. They will be expected to communicate their results through peer-reviewed publications and to present their work at conferences and to sponsors.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Excellent experimental background in molten salt electrochemistry and electroanalytical methods
  • Expertise in handling molten salt systems in rigorous air- and water-free atmospheres via inert atmosphere gloveboxes
  • Willingness to work with low-level radioactive depleted uranium materials
  • Strong communication skills, written and verbal, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and the required cover letter
  • Ability to participate collaboratively with team members and subject matter experts coupled with self-motivation to work independently and become a technical leader
  • Proficiency in electrochemistry methods and analytical techniques (i.e. pXRD, SEM/EDS, profilometry)
  • Willingness and desire to learn new skills and willingness to work on emerging projects


Education/Experience:

A Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or metallurgy. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working with low-level radiological materials
  • Additional experience in materials chemistry and/or electrochemistry
  • Ability to obtain a Q-clearance, which normally requires US Citizenship
  • Ability to create and handle export-controlled information


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 .
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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). 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.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.