Postdoctoral Research Associate in Radiation-Resilient Scintillator Materials for Fusion Diagnostics

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Materials Science and Technology Structure / Property Relations group (MST-8) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop next-generation radiation-resilient scintillator materials for fusion energy and national security applications.

About the role

The successful candidate will work at the interface of experimental materials science and computational modeling to understand how radiation-induced defects form, evolve, and degrade scintillator performance under extreme environments. The project combines controlled ion irradiation experiments, advanced structural and spectroscopic characterization, atomistic electronic structure calculations, and multiscale defect evolution modeling to establish predictive structure-property relationships for scintillator degradation. The ultimate goal is to enable the design of radiation-hardened scintillators with improved lifetime and performance for fusion diagnostics and other radiation detection technologies.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with experimentalists and computational scientists across Los Alamos National Laboratory and will have opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications, present research at international conferences, and participate in multidisciplinary collaborations supporting DOE Office of Science and NNSA mission areas.

Responsibilities

• Develop next-generation radiation-resilient scintillator materials.
• Conduct controlled ion irradiation experiments.
• Perform advanced structural and spectroscopic characterization.
• Execute atomistic electronic structure calculations and multiscale defect evolution modeling.
• Establish predictive structure-property relationships for scintillator degradation.
• Collaborate with experimentalists and computational scientists.
• Contribute to high-impact publications and present research at international conferences.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with Czochralski single-crystal growth and/or other single-crystal growth techniques.
• Experience with solid-state synthesis, ceramic processing, and densification of oxide materials.
• Experience with structural characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and single crystal diffraction.
• Experience determining the optical and electronic properties of materials, including band gap measurements using UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectroscopy, or related techniques.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, as evidenced by publications, cover letter, and interview.
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years.

Skills

• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, or optical spectroscopy.
• Experience in synchrotron or neutron scattering techniques.
• Experience in time-resolved optical spectroscopy or scintillation measurements.
• Experience in radiation effects in materials or radiation damage studies, particularly using ion beams.
• Experience in defect characterizations using positron annihilation spectroscopy and/or Rutherford backscattering spectrometry in channeling configurations.
• Knowledge of scintillator materials, phosphors, optical ceramics, or rare-earth-doped materials.
• Experience in density functional theory (DFT), atomistic simulations, or multiscale modeling.
• Experience in computer programming using modern computing languages, particularly Python and/or scientific computing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
• Willingness to work productively on multiple projects.

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).

Schedule

The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance evaluation.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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 ("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.

Candidates may be considered for a fellowship supported by the Center for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS). Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.

Contact: Dr. Arjen van Veelen (arjen.vanveelen@lanl.gov) and Dr. Anjana Talapatra (atalapatra@lanl.gov).