Actinide Chemistry Post-Doctoral Research Associate | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Actinide Chemistry Post-Doctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering group in Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in synthetic actinide chemistry to perform novel, cutting edge research involving the synthesis and study of thorium, uranium and plutonium compounds and materials. 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. In addition, 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 synthetic organometallic or inorganic synthesis
  • Expertise in handling air-sensitive compounds in rigorous air- and water-free atmospheres via inert atmosphere gloveboxes and Schlenk line techniques
  • Willingness to work with radioactive 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 analytical techniques (i.e. NMR, FTIR, UV-vis-NIR, XRD, pXRD, SEM/EDS)
  • Willingness and desire to learn new skills
  • Willingness to work on emerging projects

Education/Experience:

A Ph.D. in chemistry. 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 and handling 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

Note to Applicants:

A C.V. with the minimum following information is required: Educational background, degree dates, GPA, name of advisor(s), Work experience, Competitive honors, Presentations, Peer-Reviewed Publications.

When applying for the position, please include a cover letter addressing how you meet all of the required skills described above. The cover letter should also address the candidate's interest in a post-doctoral tenure at a national laboratory.
Location

This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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.

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.

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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947.