Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Explosive Applications and Special Projects Group (M-6) within the Dynamic Experiments (M) Division conducts research on the initiation and performance of high explosives through mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic mechanisms. Areas of expertise include non-shock initiation of high explosives, HE-driven pulsed-power, special energetic materials, and special security projects. The group also develops and uses state-of-the-art diagnostics tools to collect and analyze data on high-rate events, such as high-speed photography, PDV, and radiography.

Responsibilities

• Handle high explosives.
• Design explosive and inert experiments, assemblies, and experimental apparatus.
• Translate experimental concepts and requirements into fieldable mechanical designs.
• Identify appropriate materials, processes, and manufacturers to meet project specifications.
• Quote, order, track, and receive components.
• Execute experiments and collect and analyze experimental data.
• Report and present experimental results.

Requirements

• Education and experience in conducting experimental science, including designing and executing research and development projects, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Foundational knowledge of basic materials properties (stress, strain, yield, strength, ductility, toughness).
• Skills and experience using laboratory diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, delay generators, Labview DAQ systems, high-speed videography, infrared videography, photosensors, velocimetry techniques, lasers, pressure systems, vacuum systems, force transducers, blast gauges, piezo pins, fiber optics, thermometry, hydraulic systems, control systems, and PID controllers.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills, demonstrated through relationships built, briefings, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work to a defined scope, schedule, and budget, both independently and as part of a team.
• Candidates must be eligible for a postdoctoral position within five years of receiving their Ph.D. or have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of the appointment.

Qualifications

• Experience with materials properties measurements (e.g., load frame stress/strain testing, tensile testing, Kolsky bar, Brazilian disc, BET surface area).
• Documented record of technical achievement in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience working in environments with hazards such as energized systems, high explosives, radiological materials, pressurized systems, or chemicals.
• Understanding of dynamic experimental diagnostics (e.g., piezo pins, PDV, high-speed imaging devices, accelerometers, strain gauges).
• Experience conducting tests and experiments in laboratories and/or outdoors.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain an organized and tidy work environment.
• Ability to constructively participate in a collaborative, team environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Color discrimination, peripheral vision, depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision, distance vision.
• Ability to speak, discriminate speech, smell, and hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz).
• Physical abilities: sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting, balancing, reaching overhead/horizontally/down.
• Manual abilities: applying torque, gripping, pressing, pushing, pulling with hands or arms; fine motor control; use of both hands, arms, legs, and feet.
• Lifting and carrying 20-30 pounds.

Work Environment

• Outdoors, exposure to wildlife, temperatures ranging from 5°F to 100°F, wet or humid conditions, noisy environments, unusual lighting.
• Near sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, weapons or explosives, vibrating equipment/machinery, machinery with moving parts.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals, irritants, dusts, powders, fumes, carcinogens.
• Required personal protective equipment: face shield, mask/respirator, hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes/footgear.
• Operation of motor vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Potential for working alone, overtime, irregular schedules, domestic and international travel.

Work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• 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).

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation. A new-employment drug test is required, and the Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although marijuana use is legal in some states, it remains illegal under federal law, and a positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.