Molten Salt Electrochemistry Postdoc

What You Will Do

Electroanalytical chemistry plays an essential role in many molten salt applications, including but not limited to nonproliferation for advanced nuclear reactors and used fuel reprocessing, corrosion monitoring and mitigation, and electrorefining processes supporting plutonium pit production. We are seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in electrochemistry to perform laboratory research involving actinide-bearing chloride and fluoride molten salts. The successful candidate will be joining an experienced team of chemists and materials scientists within LANL's Chemistry Division.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Sound academic training in alkali or alkaline earth chloride or fluoride molten salt chemistry and electrochemistry
  • Hands-on experience with molten salts in a laboratory setting; experience with potentiometry, amperometry, and materials characterization techniques (ex: scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, profilometry, etc.)
  • Experience in glovebox operations and inert environments
  • Experience with high temperature furnace operations
  • Willingness to work with radioactive materials (e.g., thorium, uranium, plutonium)
  • Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research
  • Strong technical and interpersonal communication and language skills both orally and in writing, as evidenced by peer-reviewed research papers or conference presentations
  • Creative and proactive approach to scientific problem solving
  • Proven ability to meet research deliverables and deadlines
  • Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary research team

Education/Experience:

PhD in chemistry or related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed. Must be completed before hiring.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in one or more additional discipline(s): analytical chemistry, materials science, spectroscopy, microscopy.
  • Experience with beryllium molten salts (e.g., LiF-BeF2 or 'FLiBe')

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:

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 opt. 3.