Electrochemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate

Sigma Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking postdoctoral candidates who are passionate about electrochemical research.

About the Role

The successful candidate will join a team developing methods for electrodeposition that involve:

• Novel electrochemical waveforms
• Electrolyte development
• Electrochemical, chemical, and physical analysis of resultant films
• Industrial electrochemical processes such as separations, machining, and electroforming

There is specific need for someone interested in electrochemical processing critical materials, in-situ characterization, and electrochemical analysis of metal ions in solution. Supplementary areas of interest include electropolishing, corrosion, electrochemical machining, and surface engineering. Projects could also involve process monitoring, rapid experimentation, and AI/ML guided process experimentation. Specific project goals will stem from the candidate's interest, the mission needs within the team, and the availability of funding.

A postdoctoral researcher is expected to help guide the overall technical direction of their project(s) with their mentor. Candidates will be capable of conducting independent research in small teams and be able to communicate their findings in such a way that enables future applications.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Extensive experimental experience with electrochemistry, preferably electroplating and/or electropolishing techniques and processes.
• Background in electrochemistry, including knowledge of electrochemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting electroplating equipment such as plating baths, power supplies/potentiostats, or analytical instruments.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) as demonstrated by experience presenting research results at technical conferences and authoring peer-reviewed journal articles.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.

• Ability to obtain a Q clearance which normally requires U.S. Citizenship
• Experience with in-situ electrochemical characterization
• Experience in ex situ characterization techniques like SEM, XRD, XPS, and electrochemical testing
• Experience with AI/ML for experimental materials development/discovery
• Experience with water sensitive chemistry

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.

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.

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.

Benefits

• 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)

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

This position requires a Q clearance. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.