Shock Physics and Materials at Extreme Conditions Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

The Shock & Detonation Physics Group (M-9) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has openings for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates. Our work utilizes dynamic drivers (explosives, single- and two-stage gas guns, lasers) and static high pressures (diamond anvil cells, Paris-Edinburgh presses) to study fundamental physics and chemistry of relevance to the behavior of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures. We also perform experiments at synchrotron and free electron laser user facilities such as the Dynamic Compression Sector and the High Pressure Collaborative Access Team (HPCAT) at the Advance Photon Source, the Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC, Sandia's Z-machine, DESY, and the European XFEL. Our research informs multiscale models for equations of state used in the DOE's science-based stockpile modernization assessment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrated ability to work safely and productively in a fast-paced team setting with minimal supervision.
• Experience in experimental scientific research and development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, and experience interacting with personnel at all levels.
• Ability to explain and present technical information, both verbally and in written form, to an audience with varied technical backgrounds.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Experience with dynamic experiments or high-strain-rate mechanics.
  • Experience performing research on high explosive materials.
  • Experience as a user at facilities such as synchrotrons or XFELs.
  • Experience with velocimetry, high speed imaging, pyrometry, X-ray, or laser-based diagnostics.
  • Experience using oscilloscopes and instrumentation to acquire short duration, single occurrence events.
  • Experience with computer programming languages for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python).

Requirements

• Safety Practice
• Experience in experimental scientific research and development
• Communication
• Ability to explain and present technical information, both verbally and in written form, to an audience with varied technical backgrounds
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a US Department of Energy (DOE) Q Clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
• Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, or a closely-related field earned within 5 years of the anticipated start date.
• Desired Qualifications: Technical Knowledge

Qualifications

• Minimum Job Requirements: Safety Practice
• Experience in experimental scientific research and development
• Communication
• Ability to explain and present technical information, both verbally and in written form, to an audience with varied technical backgrounds
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a US Department of Energy (DOE) Q Clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.
• Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, or a closely-related field earned within 5 years of the anticipated start date.
• Desired Qualifications: Technical Knowledge

Skills

• Experience with dynamic experiments or high-strain-rate mechanics
• Experience performing research on high explosive materials
• Experience as a user at facilities such as synchrotrons or XFELs
• Experience with velocimetry, high speed imaging, pyrometry, X-ray, or laser-based diagnostics
• Experience using oscilloscopes and instrumentation to acquire short duration, single occurrence events
• Experience with computer programming languages for instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)

Benefits

The postdoctoral program at LANL enables successful candidates to tailor the direction of their research projects to best align with their background and interests, as well as the needs of our programmatic sponsors.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Additional Information

• Note to Applicants: Applicants should submit a CV and a detailed cover letter.
• Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three confidential letters of recommendation.
• The initial appointment will be for a period of two years and will be renewable for a third year contingent upon progress and funding availability.
• The successful applicant(s) will be also considered for prestigious Director's Funded and named Fellowships at LANL (more information about these can be found at: Postdoc Appointment Types).
• Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.
• Note: Applicants should submit a CV and a detailed cover letter.
• Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three confidential letters of recommendation.
• The initial appointment will be for a period of two years and will be renewable for a third year contingent upon progress and funding availability.
• The successful applicant(s) will be also considered for prestigious Director's Funded and named Fellowships at LANL (more information about these can be found at: Postdoc Appointment Types).
• Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.
• Note: Applicants should submit a CV and a detailed cover letter.
• Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three confidential letters of recommendation.
• The initial appointment will be for a period of two years and will be renewable for a third year contingent upon progress and funding availability.
• The successful applicant(s) will be also considered for prestigious Director's Funded and named Fellowships at LANL (more information about these can be found at: Postdoc Appointment Types).
• Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.
• Note: Applicants should submit a CV and a detailed cover letter.
• Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three confidential letters of recommendation.
• The initial appointment will be for a period of two years and will be renewable for a third year contingent upon progress and funding availability.
• The successful applicant(s) will be also considered for prestigious Director's Funded and named Fellowships at LANL (more information about these can be found at: Postdoc Appointment Types).
• Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.