Post-Bachelor's Research Associate - Materials Science & Robotic Automation

What You Will Do

You will join a multidisciplinary experimental team within the Materials Physics and Applications organization at Los Alamos National Laboratory focused on understanding how materials deform and fail under a wide range of conditions. This work supports the Laboratory's national security mission by improving the fundamental understanding of material behavior and enabling more predictive models for critical systems.

In this role, you will help modernize and enhance experimental capabilities through the development and implementation of robotic and automated laboratory workflows. You will work alongside materials scientists and engineers to improve the efficiency, repeatability, and quality of materials characterization and testing, with a particular focus on metals and alloys. This is an opportunity to apply both materials science knowledge and hands-on robotics/automation skillsto real-world experimental challenges in a national laboratory environment.

Project / Work Plan Description:

• Develop and deploy robot-assisted workflowsfor sample preparation, handling, and microscopy
• Integrate robotic systems with laboratory instruments, including optical and electron microscopy tools
• Support materials characterization experiments, particularly for deformed metals and alloys
• Contribute to automation, data collection, and analysis pipelines using programming tools such as Python or MATLAB
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team to improve experimental throughput and data quality
• Document methods, workflows, and results in technical reports

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:







Knowledge:

• Fundamentals of materials science, including microstructure and mechanical behavior of metals and alloys
• Basic understanding of materials characterization techniques (e.g., optical or electron microscopy)
• Introductory knowledge of robotics, automation systems, or mechatronics concepts
• Familiarity with data acquisition and analysis methods

Skills:

• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysis or automation tasks
• Hands-on laboratory skills, including sample preparation or experimental setup
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental or hardware/software issues
• Technical communication skills, including writing clear summaries of work and results

Abilities:

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Ability to work effectively in a team of scientists and engineers
• Ability to apply engineering and scientific concepts to solve practical problems
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks across multiple activities

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field completed within the past 3 years from an accredited institution. Candidates with interdisciplinary experience in both materials science and automation/robotics are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with robotic systems, automation platforms, or mechatronics (e.g., robotic arms, motion control, or lab automation equipment)
• Experience integrating hardware and software systems, including instrument control, scripting, or sensor integration
• Familiarity with optical or electron microscopy and image-based characterization techniques
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation and/or mechanical testing of materials
• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for automation, data acquisition, or analysis
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD), engineering drawings, and tolerancing
• Exposure to data management, analysis pipelines, or machine vision for experimental workflows
• Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment bridging materials science and engineering systems

Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

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.

Contact: Saryu Fensin (saryuj@lanl.gov), Janith Wanni (janith@lanl.gov)

Required Application Materials:

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

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• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
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• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
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If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.