Separations and Reaction Engineering Student

What You Will Do

The Materials Physics and Applications Division (MPA) of the Physical Sciences (PS) Directorate at Los Alamos National Laboratory has post-MS/GRA/post-BS positions in the areas of polymer materials processing, characterization, and reaction engineering within MPA-11. Successful applicants will participate in multidisciplinary research efforts aimed at synthesis and characterization of polymer, inorganic and hybrid materials for various applications including contact membrane reactors and alternative fuels. Selected candidates will be expected to work independently on a defined research project and as part of a multidisciplinary research team. Candidates will be expected to disseminate their results through internal reports/presentations, patents (if applicable), peer-reviewed journal publications, and conference presentations.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Demonstrated experience to perform work in a research oriented environment including planning and conducting hand-on laboratory experiments, analyzing results, and writing reports;
  • Demonstrated ability to perform as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team conducting scientific or industrial work;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing;
  • Demonstrated record of reliability and versatility;

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with membrane or sorbent materials for gas/vapor/liquid separation applications;
  • Experience with melt processing, extrusion and injection molding;
  • Experience with analytical techniques including infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, thermomechanical analysis, rheological characterization, sorption measurements, positron spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry;
  • Advanced experience with GC/GC-MS techniques;
  • Experience with polymerization, polymer modification, and polymer deposition techniques;
  • Experience with synthetic organic and/or polymer chemistry;
  • Experience with heterogeneous catalysis;
  • Experience with multi-phase flow systems.

Education: A B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related technical field completed within past 3 years or soon to be completed, with cumulative GPA of at least a 3.2.

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: Applications may be submitted at http://careers.lanl.gov/ Please include a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: Educational background, degree dates, GPA with scale, name of advisor(s); Work experience; Competitive honors; Relevant extracurricular activities; Invited presentations; Grants; Patents; Peer-Reviewed Publications; Non-peer-reviewed Publications; Talks and Poster Presentations; References. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered.
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. The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is comprised of research scientists, technicians, postdoctoral researchers, and students specializing in experimental chemistry, materials, and applied energy research. Our goal is to provide innovative and creative chemical synthesis, materials science, and engineering solutions to fundamental and applied research challenges relevant to the Laboratory's Missions, including energy security, nuclear deterrence, and global threat reduction.

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 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.Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• 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: 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.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.