Physics and Chemistry of Materials Postdoc Research Associate | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Physics and Chemistry of Materials Postdoc Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants for postdoctoral positions. The candidates will be expected to perform outstanding research in quantum chemistry and the physics of small molecules. The sponsors of the postdoctoral associate are experts in the theoretical development and simulations of atomic and molecular processes in plasmas.

This project will proceed with two primary objectives. The first objective is to perform highly-accurate quantum chemistry calculations of small molecules for astrophysics and atmospheric physics applications. The second objective is to utilize such quantum chemistry calculations to compute the radiative absorption cross sections for a variety of molecules.

The deliverables of this research will primarily be peer-reviewed publications.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Programming experience, preferably in Fortran, Python and C/C++.
  • Experience with quantum chemistry packages (such as MOLPRO, GAUSSIAN, etc.).
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer reviewed publication record.


Education/Experience: A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or related fields, completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with quantum chemistry multi-reference methods.
  • Experience with theoretical development of quantum mechanics, for applications to atomic and molecular processes in plasmas (collision theory, opacities, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Interest and flexibility to adapt to new areas of research.
  • Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise.

Work Environment:

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:

Contact:

Dr. Mark Zammit (mzammit@lanl.gov)

Dr. Jeffery Leiding (jal@lanl.gov)

Dr. Amanda Neukirch (ajneukirch@lanl.gov)

For more information on Postdoc program at LANL, please refer to

https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

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.

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 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.