Synthetic Nanomaterials Chemistry Postdoc | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Synthetic Nanomaterials Chemistry Postdoc

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 developing and discovering new optical nanomaterials, advancing chemical synthesis and assembly approaches, and elucidating structure-function relationships and synthetic mechanistic pathways. A particular focus will be quantum dot (QD) or QD-hybrid materials for nanoscale single-photon sources toward photonics-enabled quantum information applications. The postdoc would have available to them air-sensitive handling equipment, as well as a unique automated reactor system, microfluidic system, and microwave reactor. For assembly and integration and solution-processing of nanomaterials, the postdoc would have a dip-pen nanolithography system (as well as a new, custom multiprobe nanolithography/in-situ characterization system), thin-film preparation tools, and 3D printer for their use. The successful candidate will do this work in collaboration with a team of Ph.D. staff scientists, postdocs and students with expertise in the areas of single-nanostructure optical spectroscopy/imaging, theory/modeling, polymer chemistry, and electron microscopy.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Strong chemical synthesis skills using air-sensitive handling techniques
  • Nanocrystal synthesis, manipulation and surface modification
  • A strong publication record
  • Excellent communication and writing skills


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

Desired Qualifications:

  • Nanosynthesis, in particular of semiconductor quantum dots
  • Nanocrystal assembly
  • Dip-pen, polymer-pen nanolithography, or similar
  • Optical and structural characterization techniques
  • Planning and execution of complex, multistep reactions

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 $92,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Note to Applicants:

  • Contact Jennifer Hollingsworth (jenn@lanl.gov) directly about this position.
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation are required.
Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) is a Department of Energy, Office of Science Nanoscale Science Research Center (NSRC) and National User Facility jointly operated by Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories that focuses on cutting-edge nanoscale integration science.

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.