Membrane Science and Engineering Post-Bachelor Student

About the Role

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of U.S national security. The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices (MPA-11) Group is seeking an outstanding Post Bachelor student to join a multi-disciplinary team with ongoing research efforts in fundamental and applied membrane materials development and engineering.

Active areas of research include:

• Air separations, H₂ production, water purification, and critical materials separations (including isotopic separations)
• Translation of novel membrane/sorbent chemistries to industrially relevant platforms (e.g., hollow fibers and thin films)
• Separation system process design and techno-economic analysis
• Prototype system design and construction

We engage in all aspects of materials development from macromolecule synthesis, materials formulation and characterization to materials translation into application-specific platforms/shapes. The specific focus of this position is the development of polybenzimidazole and PBI-derived carbon molecular sieve hollow membranes with tailored gas transport characteristics. We utilize a broad variety of synthetic/formulation methods including wet chemistry, pyrolytic methods, fiber spinning, and gas separation characterization. Materials interrogation and characterization are conducted utilizing the vast resources available at LANL.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory work in a research-oriented environment focused on membrane materials development
• Develop polybenzimidazole and PBI-derived carbon molecular sieve hollow membranes
• Utilize synthetic and formulation methods such as wet chemistry, pyrolytic methods, and fiber spinning
• Conduct gas separation characterization and materials interrogation
• Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team or independently
• Plan and organize assignments to meet project deadlines

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience performing laboratory work in a research-oriented environment
• A demonstrated record of technical excellence and innovative thinking as evidenced by publication and presentation records and letters of reference
• Good communication skills (both oral and written)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Ability to plan and organize assignments and meet project deadlines

Education/Experience:

• Completion of BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or other closely related discipline completed within the last 3 years
• Cumulative GPA of at least a 3.2 is required

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with membrane-based gas, liquid, and vapor separations processes
• Familiarity with carbon or polymer material synthesis, processing, and characterization including gas permeation evaluation
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, and NMR)
• Familiarity with process design and simulation using programming software (e.g., Python®, Matlab®)

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.

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)

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.