Scientist Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Materials Scientist Postdoctoral Research Associate. C-CDE is an applied technology organization focusing on weapons materials characterization, surveillance, and manufacturing; applied and basic energy sciences; threat reduction; and environmental mitigation. The group integrates and applies technologies using scientific expertise in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Process Development, and/or Chemical Engineering to support Laboratory missions including material characterization and development, weapons support, and environmental mitigation.

The successful applicant will work both collaboratively and independently on interdisciplinary C-CDE projects, conducting research to support the development and evaluation of materials such as inorganic solids, polymers, formulations, coatings, adhesives, composites, and uranium-containing materials.

Responsibilities

• Apply and develop a variety of chemical and physical characterization techniques such as SEM, BET, XRD, Raman, FTIR, and rheological analysis for both inorganic and organic materials.
• Conduct research to determine reaction mechanisms and kinetics of gas/solid phase interfaces, including uranium metal corrosion.
• Characterize and analyze organic materials including polymers, resins, adhesives, coatings, and complex formulations using appropriate analytical techniques to support materials development and quality control efforts.
• Design, assemble, and operate experimental systems under ambient and vacuum conditions to study gas diffusion, transport, adsorption, and surface reactions.
• Contribute to internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate to meet program objectives.
• Work unsupervised on individual projects and/or contribute to larger team efforts, making scientific judgments that affect project direction.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with several chemical or physical characterization techniques relevant to inorganic and organic materials.
• Experience characterizing both inorganic materials (e.g., metals, oxides, minerals, porous materials, ceramics) and organic or polymeric materials (e.g., polymers, resins, coatings, adhesives, formulations, composites).
• Proven ability to apply fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to lead a project from conception to execution, with follow-on plans for future work.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to work effectively both independently and in a team to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work efficiently under pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Documented record of working safely and responsibly in a scientific laboratory.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of the appointment and must be within five years of completion of the Ph.D. Previous postdoctoral experience is acceptable.

Desired Skills

• Experience developing and conducting experiments with radiological materials or sources.
• Hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, or modification of laboratory equipment and experimental systems.
• Experience with instrumentation such as SEM, BET, XRD, and rheological analysis.
• Experience studying surface reactions, corrosion, gas-solid interactions, adsorption, diffusion, or reaction kinetics.
• Experience with porous inorganic materials, particularly zeolites, including synthesis, characterization, ion exchange, functionalization, or post-synthetic modification.

Work Location

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

Security Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government. Obtaining a clearance and additional access authorization is ultimately a decision of the Federal Government.

Note: 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 national security laboratories, 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 (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).