Photophoresis Science and Application Postdoc | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Photophoresis Science and Application Postdoc

What You Will Do

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) in the Materials Physics and Applications (MPA) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks an outstanding postdoctoral research associate with strong background in photophoresis science and application. The successful candidate is expected to advance fundamental understanding of the physics behind photophoresis, and develop novel photophoretic devices by using analytical/numerical modeling and existing micro- and nano-fabrication techniques. The candidate is also expected to set up an in-house measurement system for characterizing the performance of fabricated photophoretic devices, with an ultimate goal of demonstrating both passive and active prototype photophoretic flyers deployed in the field for various applications such as space weather data collection. The outcome of this research endeavor is expected to result in high-impact journal publications, major conference presentations, and patent disclosures. The work will primarily be performed in the state-of-the-art CINT user facilities located at both Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Ph.D. in physics or applied physics completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.
  • Extensive experience in micro- and nano-fabrication processes: photolithography, electron-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, plasma dry etching, scanning electron microscopy, etc.
  • Experience in vacuum technologies.
  • Experience in measurement system automation.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to conduct research both independently and collaboratively.
  • A strong publication record.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong background in photophoretic physics.
  • Experience in photophoretic device design and modeling.
  • Experience in fabricating complex micro-electromechanical systems (MEMs) devices.
  • Strong background in material sciences and engineering.
  • Deep understanding of gas-surface interaction, heat transfer, and rarefied gas dynamics.
  • Experience in writing grant proposals and securing external funding.

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.

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:

Interested candidates can contact Chun-Chieh Chang (cchang@lanl.gov) about this position

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 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. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

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.

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

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