Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

A position is available (starting immediately) for a highly talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to engage in a multidisciplinary experimental/theoretical research

environment with the goal of advancing multimodal microscopy and spectroscopy methodology and nanointegration strategies. Specifically, the postdoc will pursue challenging

experiments involving scanning probe-enabled integration of nano-mesoscale components toward combined functionalities or emergent novel functionality. They will have access

to a state-of-the-art custom multiprobe system designed for chemical nanolithography and integrated physical, chemical and optical microscopy characterization. A particular focus

will be development of new methodologies for precision integration of nanoscale materials (e.g., colloidal quantum dots) into fabricated structures such as plasmonic resonators and

photonic cavities, along with in situ characterization of resulting hybrid materials. Work will be conducted in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), a Nanoscale Science

Research Center and User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science by Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. The successful candidate will do

this work in collaboration with a team of Ph.D. staff scientists, postdocs and students across CINT with expertise in nanomaterials synthesis, single-nanostructure optical spectroscopy/imaging,

theory/modeling, polymer chemistry and electron microscopy, as well as in collaboration with an international cohort of CINT Users. They will be expected to publish in high-impact journals and

to present outcomes at major conferences.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience developing, optimizing and implementing advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques (scanning probe-based nanolithography, near-field optical microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, conductive-atomic force microscopy, etc.), and, especially, experience with tuning-fork based atomic force microscopy.

• Experience performing spectroscopic characterization of nano- and microscopic samples (e.g., photoluminescence and Raman)

• A strong publication record

• Excellent communication and writing skills

Desired Skills

• Nanocrystal synthesis, manipulation and surface modification

• Fountain-pen, dip-pen and/or polymer-pen nanolithography

• Optical and structural characterization techniques

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision

• Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and to learn new areas of research as needed

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and to interact with people with a variety of expertise

Education: Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.

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.

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 $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Notes to Applicants

• Contact Jennifer Hollingsworth (jenn@lanl.gov) and Eric Bowes (bowes@lanl.gov) directly about this position.

• At least 3 letters of recommendation are required.

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.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.

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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.

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