High Pressure Quantum Matter Postdoc | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

High Pressure Quantum Matter Postdoc

What You Will Do

The Pulsed Field Facility of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) at Los Alamos National Laboratory has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral position in experimental condensed matter physics, with an emphasis on tunneling and thermodynamic measurements at high pressure and high magnetic fields on f-electron quantum materials. We seek highly motivated individuals who are passionate about physics to develop and explore new ideas on quantum materials. The NHMFL is a user facility for research in materials, chemistry, and life sciences. The Pulsed Field Facility is dedicated to providing the largest non-destructive magnetic fields, in the lowest noise environments, for materials research. The postdoc will work on a collaborative project between the Pulsed Field Facility and the Quantum groups at LANL.

Any inquiries about this specific opening and other opportunities within our group are welcome and should be sent to Dr. Mun Chan (mkchan@lanl.gov) and Dr. Eric Bauer (edbauer@lanl).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A strong background in experimental condensed matter physics
  • The ability to communicate effectively across multiple levels of peers and supervisors
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to work independently, creatively, and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated abilities in writing peer reviewed publications
  • Expertise in the following areas:
    • High pressure expertise using a Diamond-Anvil-Cell (DAC)
    • Basic characterization (e.g., electrical and thermal transport, magnetization, and specific heat) of materials


Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics or related fields completed within the past five years or soon to be completed is required. The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Measurements of electrical resistivity, thermometry, or thermal transport in a DAC
  • X-ray diffraction, magnetic diffraction, or X-ray spectroscopy in a DAC
  • Laser-heating of materials in a DAC
  • Strong background in the physics of f-electron materials
  • Measurements at cryogenic temperatures


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.

Note to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. In addition to applying on-line, please submit a CV, publication list, a brief statement of research interests and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 4 potential references to mkchan@lanl.gov. Please include a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: Educational background, degree dates; Work experience; Competitive honors; Relevant extracurricular activities; Peer-Reviewed Publications; Non-peer-reviewed Publications; References. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.

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.