Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Nuclear & Radiochemistry Group (C-NR) has postdoctoral positions available in the chemical sciences. We are seeking an outstanding candidate with extensive experience in inorganic/analytical chemistry, geochemistry, or a related field to support R&D programs focused on the field of separations, chemical analysis and radiochemical measurements. Candidates will develop new inorganic separations for both the chemical and radiochemical purification of single elements. Novel methods for measuring purified radioisotopes and stable elements will be a key component of the research, and measurements may involve mass spectrometry, gamma-ray spectrometry, beta decay counting, and/or alpha spectrometry. The methods have applications in nuclear forensics, environmental studies related to fate and transport of radioactive isotopes, and stewardship of the US nuclear weapons deterrent. Candidates must be willing and able to work within an interdisciplinary team of scientists from multiple organizations within LANL. Opportunities are available to work with samples across a wide range of activity levels, from non-radioactive samples through tracer activities to irradiated actinide target materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A strong background and extensive experience in chemistry or mass spectrometry is essential.
  • The candidate must have the ability to work creatively and independently, while also contributing effectively to the overall team efforts.
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by a strong publication and presentation record.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assignments so that schedules are met on time.
  • Ability to obtain a 'Q' clearance.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with standard wet-chemistry techniques for chemical analysis.
  • Rigorous chemical analysis using spectroscopic, analytical and/or radioanalytical techniques.
  • Track record of problem solving in a laboratory environment

Education: PhD in chemistry, geochemistry or related fields completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. The starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to the Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Appropriate training will be provided for a suitable candidate if they have no prior experience working with radioactive materials or radioanalytical measurements

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.
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.

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.

For general information go to Postdoc Program.