Postdoctoral Research Associate | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

We are searching for postdocs to work on quantum magnets in high magnetic fields. We use measurement techniques at low and high pulsed magnetic fields to understand new phenomena in quantum magnetism. Project areas include: (1) magnetoelectric coupling in molecular materials such as molecular magnets and spin crossovers. (2) Quantum magnetism including spin liquids. These research areas are funded in part by large multi-institutional research grants such as the Quantum Science Center and Energy Frontier Research Centers that will give the applicant opportunities to collaborate broadly across different institutions. The successful candidate is expected to focus their effort on one or more of these topics and the development of new areas of high magnetic field science. The positions also provide opportunities for adventurous applicants to develop complementary methods and pursue new research directions relevant to condensed matter physics. Los Alamos National Laboratory and the NHMFL provide the pinnacle of ultra-strong magnetic field research environment for experimental physics. In 2012, our program achieved the world record non-destructive magnetic field exceeding 100 tesla. The successful candidate will work on a team to design instruments and experiments, record and analyze experimental data, interpret and publish the results and present the work at conferences.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Experimental condensed matter physics
  • Experience with cryogenic and high magnetic field environments with DC or pulsed magnetic fields.
  • Measurement techniques such as heat capacity, magnetization, electrical transport, electric polarization, dielectric constant
  • One or more of the areas of interest identified above (i.e. molecular magnetism, spin crossovers, magnetoelectrics, quantum magnetism, spin liquids)
  • Work in a team environment both within and outside of LANL.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct high precision measurements, data acquisition and analysis are essential.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publications, presentations, cover letter, and references.


Education/Experience: A Ph.D in experimental Condensed matter physics or related field completed within the past 5 years of the anticipated start date.

Desired Qualifications:

  • LabVIEW, MatLab or Mathematica programming experience.
  • Experience with custom cryogenic and high magnetic field measurement setups.
  • Transport measurements on organic or polymer compounds


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:

Interested candidates should contact Vivien Zapf (vzapf@lanl.gov) or Minseong Lee (ml10k@lanl.gov) for further details. Must include a comprehensive CV and cover letter addressing the qualifications outlined above. Please list names and contact information for references.
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.




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.