Membrane Science and Engineering Post-master Student

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 work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world!

About the Role

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices (MPA-11) Group is seeking an outstanding Post Master student to join a multi-disciplinary team with on-going 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 molecule 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 is conducted utilizing the vast resources available at LANL.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with membrane-based gas, liquid, and vapor separations processes;
• 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.

Qualifications

Desired

• Demonstrated experience with carbon or polymer material synthesis, processing and characterization including gas permeation evaluation;
• Demonstrated experience with hollow fiber membrane fabrication, module fabrication and performance evaluation in application relevant feed streams;
• Demonstrated experience with materials characterization techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, and NMR);
• Familiarity with process modeling and simulation using programming software (e.g., Python®, Matlab®).

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.

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.

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