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
Location

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

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 $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

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.

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

The postdoc will be part of a vibrant research team from the Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE). This team endeavors to resolve national security-related issues in stockpile manufacturing and support, surveillance, applied and basic energy sciences, threat reduction, the environment, and nonproliferation-as such, the postdoc will be exposed to a broad range of applications and mission work conducted at national laboratories. The research team participates collaboratively throughout the Chemistry Division and the Laboratory to utilize scientific expertise in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Process Development and/or Chemical Engineering. The highly interdisciplinary nature of these activities requires scientists and engineers who can readily operate within, and transition between, the traditional academic disciplines.

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 (paid sick, vacation, 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.

Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*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.
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 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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